San Francisco CA (May 12, 2016) — Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to set first-ever standards for methane pollution from new and modified sources in the oil and gas sector.
“As people of faith, we are called to care for Creation. This first-ever EPA rule addressing industrial methane pollution is a vital step along the path to better stewardship,” stated the Rev. Sally Bingham, president and founder of Interfaith Power & Light. “Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and limiting it is critical to address climate change. It’s a serious thereat to the future of the planet. The EPA is doing the right thing by setting standards to limit leaks and waste by the oil and gas industry – the largest source of methane emissions from human activities in the U.S.”
Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) and its affiliates work in some of the communities most impacted by methane pollution, including New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania. IPL applauds this critical safeguard to protect our communities and our climate from this powerful greenhouse gas. It is an essential first step to achieve the administration’s goal of cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025. It will also bring important public health benefits for communities located near oil and gas development by simultaneously cutting smog-forming and cancer-causing pollutants released from the operations.
Thousands of clergy and communities of faith representing Interfaith Power & Light’s network of 18,000 congregations are proud to support this final rule that will begin to address one of the most potent greenhouse gases. We pray in gratitude for the announcement today; however, our work is not done. Existing sources of methane pollution must now be addressed as we race to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
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