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 industry 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 is a cornerstone of our work. When properly implemented and enforced, federal methane rules 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.

  • 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) finalized a rule in early 2025 to drastically improve federal oversight of natural gas pipelines. More than 160 elected officials from across the nation signed a letter in support of the rule.

  • 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 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 efforts to reduce methane emissions, protect frontline communities, build sustainable local economies, advance state climate goals, and improve public transparency and accountability in the oil and gas leasing process. See below for information on state-level rulemakings and other efforts Appalachian Leaders Network is engaged in and learn how you can get involved.

Pennsylvania

 

  • Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection is developing a state plan to implement the EPA’s federal methane standards and cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. This is an important step that will support local economies and protect public health.

    DEP has scheduled six in-person hearings and two virtual hearings to take public comment on the proposed state plan:

    • June 30 at 6:30 p.m. — Washington, PA

    • July 1 at 6:30 p.m. — Titusville, PA

    • July 7 at 12 p.m. — Harrisburg, PA

    • July 9 at 6:30 p.m. — Williamsport, PA

    • July 10 at 12 p.m. — virtual

    • July 14 at 6:30 p.m. — New Milford, PA

    • July 16 at 6:30 p.m. — Blue Bell, PA

    • July 22 at 6:30 p.m. — virtual

    Public hearing locations and information on providing comments can be found on DEP’s webpage.

    Contactjess@appalachianleaders.org to get involved in the process and for assistance drafting comments.