FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2026
CONTACT: Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director, 615-294-2049, jess@appalachianleaders.org

ALN responds to Pennsylvania plans to cut methane pollution

Proposed rulemakings aim to cut methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas sources

Statement from Interim Executive Director Jessica Pace: 

“With today’s announcement of two new rulemakings to cut methane emissions caused by oil and gas operations, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is taking an important step to protect public health, improve air quality, and reduce climate pollution. We commend Gov. Shapiro for positioning the state as a national leader and taking action to protect Pennsylvania communities as we continue to see pollution safeguards repealed at the federal level. Local and state elected officials in our network look forward to working with DEP to ensure these rules will help secure cleaner air and economic opportunity for Pennsylvania.”

Background:
Today, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration and the Department of Environmental Protection announced plans to develop two new rulemakings to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Details about the administration’s approach will be shared at an Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Aug. 6, 2026 with draft rules to be submitted to the Environmental Quality Board in 2027. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a powerful climate pollutant with 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide.