Washington (May 12, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced specific plans to cut methane emissions from the oil and natural gas industry. Earlier this year, the Obama administration announced plans to reduce methane emissions by updating 30 year-old regulations to reduce the amount of natural gas that is wasted through venting and flaring from oil and natural gas operations on public lands.

“Addressing climate change requires a comprehensive strategy and that includes curbing methane emissions. These new pollution limits for oil and natural gas production are yet another critical link in the chain of actions President Obama is taking to tackle the issue of global warming and position the United States as the world leader on climate action after the Paris agreement.

“I have proposed legislation that would address methane leaks by fixing our crumbling natural gas distribution pipeline system and improving the detection and reporting of leaks and reducing flaring from drilling operations on public lands. 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.

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