Climate and Methane
OUR PRIORITIES
Advocate for stringent and enforceable safeguards, policies, and regulations at the state and federal levels to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and hold the sector responsible for pollution.
Advance innovative local approaches that bring together energy producers, residents, and local leaders to protect public health, improve air quality, fight climate change, and stop the waste of taxpayer resources.
FEDERAL METHANE RULEMAKINGs
Defending and expanding federal safeguards to reduce methane and other pollutants from the oil and gas sector are cornerstones of Appalachian Leaders Network’s mission. Strong federal methane rules – when properly implemented and enforced – can provide sweeping protections for communities across the nation, hold oil and gas companies accountable for pollution, create jobs, protect publicly owned resources, and build climate resilience. See below for information on two federal rulemakings and learn more about ALN’s impact on each.
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Throughout the U.S., there are approximately 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines. When they leak, they release methane and other health-hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere that threaten public health and safety, waste natural gas that could be captured and sent to market, and worsen the climate crisis.
The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is currently working on a rule that would drastically improve federal oversight of natural gas pipelines. More than 160 elected officials from across the nation have signed a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of the rule, which is expected to be finalized in early 2025.
Join our mail list if you haven’t already for news and engagement opportunities around the PHMSA rule, or contact jess@appalachianleaders.org.
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In December 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized new rules to help achieve national climate goals, advance environmental justice, protect public health, and prevent the waste of taxpayer revenue by reducing methane emissions and other pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations.
Click here to learn more about the final rule, and click here to read our letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in support of these important standards.
state METHANE RULEMAKINGs
Appalachian Leaders Network engages with elected officials and partners across the Ohio River Valley region on state-level initiatives to reduce methane emissions, protect frontline communities, build sustainable local economies, advance state climate targets, and improve public transparency and accountability in the oil and gas leasing process. See below for state-level efforts Appalachian Leaders Network is engaged in, and learn how you can get involved.
Pennsylvania
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On Nov. 12, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, the Citizens Advisory Council to Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public meeting, where DEP will present a plan on adopting state protections to cut methane from the oil and gas sector. This is an important step that will support local economies and protect public health. Check back soon for an agenda, registration information, and how to submit public comments.
Click here for an agenda and information to join the meeting.
Contact jess@appalachianleaders.org for talking points.
Learn more about Pennsylvania’s oil and gas pollution.
Pennsylvania will have two years to update methane rules to match EPA.
New report: 22% growth in Pennsylvania’s methane mitigation industry.