Contact: Maggie Stange, wvrivers@wvrivers.org, 304-637-7201

The U.S. EPA finalized a rule that aims to reduce methane and other toxic air pollutants released from the oil and gas sector. These air pollutants impact the health of residents living in close proximity to wells, compressor stations, pipelines and other oil and gas infrastructure. Nearby residents are at higher risk of respiratory and heart diseases, and cancer. EPA’s rule rightly recognizes that cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is a critical first step in protecting our neighboring communities.

West Virginians are especially at risk due to the number of active and abandoned oil and gas wells in the region. Over one third of West Virginians live within a half mile of an active oil and gas site. There are approximately 60,000 and 760,000 abandoned wells in the state. With such a large number of oil and gas wells in the state, West Virginians deserve strict controls on harmful pollution.

“EPA’s action to reduce methane pollution represents much-needed steps to alleviate the health risks on West Virginians,” stated West Virginia Rivers Coalition Executive Director Angie Rosser. “We look forward to working with the EPA and WVDEP to ensure the implementation of this rule maximizes benefits for environmental and community health.”