Washington (August 18, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Methane is a powerful global warming pollutant and contributes to smog formation. When it escapes from old, leaky pipelines it also can be a danger to public safety. A new study released today found that methane leaks from natural gas gathering and processing facilities may far exceed estimates used by EPA.
 
“We can’t address climate change without curbing methane emissions. These new reduction goals add to the comprehensive approach President Obama is taking to tackle the issue of global warming and position the United States as the world leader on climate action.
 
“I have proposed legislation to fix our crumbling natural gas distribution system, reduce flaring on public lands and encourage the development and deployment of new technologies for detecting methane leaks. I look forward to working with the administration and the diverse group from industry, labor and environmental groups to advance efforts to reduce this dangerous pollutant.”
 
More information on Senator Markey’s leaky pipeline legislation can be found HERE. More information on Senator Markey’s legislation to prevent or minimize the flaring of natural gas on public land both onshore and offshore can be found HERE.
 
A copy of a September 2014 letter sent to President Obama by Senator Markey and his colleagues on methane pollution can be found HERE.
 

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