On the Biden Administration’s proposed rule to limit methane emissions

“Today’s proposed rule to limit methane emissions from the U.S. oil and natural gas industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the Biden administration’s commitment to reduce U.S. emissions 50-52 percent by 2030. Oil and gas production is a major source of human-caused methane, which is currently responsible for more than a quarter of the warming the world is already experiencing.  Methane is more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making immediate reductions in methane one of the best levers the world has to slow warming in the near term. And because natural gas is mostly methane, monitoring and addressing methane leaks means more efficient operations with less natural gas loss – making it a highly cost-effective way to cut climate pollution.

“As President Biden continues to engage world leaders in Glasgow, this rulemaking is an important step in demonstrating that U.S. commitments are credible and meaningful, and that the United States can and will deliver on promises to cut climate pollution here at home. Together with the U.S.-led Global Methane Pledge an effort joined by over 100 countries, which aims to reduce global methane emissions 30 percent by 2030, we are seeing meaningful progress on one of the most important dimensions of climate action.”

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To reach a C2ES expert, contact Alec Gerlach at press@c2es.org.

About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to forge practical solutions to climate change. Our mission is to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Learn more at www.c2es.org.