Earlier this week, I spoke at a public hearing with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where I voiced WV Rivers’ support for EPA’s proposed Methane Emissions Charge.

I wanted to share with you why this regulation is crucial for West Virginia and urge you to join us in submitting comments to the EPA in support of this initiative.

The EPA’s proposed Methane Emissions Charge is part of the Methane Emission Reduction Program that was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. This regulation would place a fee on methane emissions if they are not reduced below a certain threshold. This rule is a critical step toward curbing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Not only does it address environmental concerns, but it also presents an opportunity to create good-paying jobs in the methane mitigation sector and ultimately will improve public health in our state.

West Virginians are disproportionately burdened by environmental harm and degradation caused by the oil and gas industries. The pollution from these facilities negatively impacts our environment and also poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as elderly and low-income communities. With a third of West Virginians living within a half mile of an oil and gas site, the need for action couldn’t be more urgent.

Our state already suffers from alarmingly high rates of heart disease, cancer mortality, and chronic respiratory diseases, exacerbated by exposure to hazardous air pollutants released by oil and gas operations. The EPA’s methane emission charge is a critical measure in reducing our exposure to these harmful pollutants and protecting environmental justice communities.

Moreover, reining in methane pollution is the fastest and most cost-effective way to combat climate change and mitigate severe weather events such as wildfires, droughts, and floods. With a significant portion of West Virginia’s properties at a high flood risk, the need for climate action is urgent.

This Methane Emission Charge is good for West Virginians. I urge you to send a comment in support of cutting methane emissions, creating good jobs, and protecting public health.

Will you join me in taking action now to show your support for EPA’s Methane Emission Charge?

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.

More soon,

Autumn Crowe
Deputy Director, West Virginia Rivers Coalition