The Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s article “PA releases final rule to cut methane leaks,” addressed what Gov. Wolf promised would be a nation-leading rule for methane regulations from existing oil and gas sources. Unfortunately, after five years of waiting, the state rule exempts the vast majority of low-producing oil and gas wells, around 63,000, from leak detection and repair. These wells are responsible for half of the climate-warming methane pollution from oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania making this rule woefully inadequate.
Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed a methane rule that would help protect families like mine who live near oil and gas operations from the pollution that increases the risk of having adverse birth outcomes, heart disease, cancer, asthma attacks and respiratory problems. My own son, who struggled with periodic breathing difficulties throughout his childhood, needs protection and so do the over 200,000 Pennsylvania children who have asthma.
Pittsburgh has some of the worst air quality in the nation and received a failing grade from the 2021 American Lung Association State of the Air Report for ozone. Compounding the issue is oil and gas air pollution that can contribute to the ozone smog problem and damage little lungs triggering asthma attacks.
It is my hope that in the new year, the EPA finalizes a strong rule that will protect all families. There is no time to waste, and we must protect the health of our children and the future of our planet.
Vanessa Lynch
Indiana Township
Field Organizer
Pennsylvania
Moms Clean Air Force
First Published: December 26, 2021, 5:00 a.m.
