A Strong Methane Rule Will Protect Public Health

Thousands of Pennsylvanians, especially children and seniors, are breathing air polluted by shale gas development (SGD), sometimes called “fracking.” SGD operations leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, along with several air pollutants that contribute to health harm and climate change. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds emitted during drilling and fracking, which contribute to ground-level ozone formation, a key component of smog. Also leaked are hazardous air pollutants—such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde—emitted from compressor stations and well pads. Research shows there are significant associations between the pollution released by SGD and various health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory complications, birth impacts, and hospitalizations.

What Is Being Done

Taking into consideration these significant impacts, in March 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule to reduce methane emissions from shale gas development. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now developing a State Plan detailing implementation and enforcement for the EPA’s standards.

Reducing methane leaks serves a dual purpose of preventing harmful greenhouse gases from worsening climate change and preventing the release of pollutants that harm human health. We urge the DEP to enact strong, long-lasting methane regulations that protect our health and hold polluters accountable. Clean air is a right guaranteed by the Pennsylvania Constitution.  

The DEP has proposed adopting new methane standards by incorporating them into existing permits for oil and gas operators. The DEP’s proposal could go further to reduce emissions.

Here’s how the PA DEP could improve its plan:

• Require quarterly instrument-based leak monitoring at well sites that are not considered complex

• Include separators—which separate gaseous and liquid components of oil and gas well streams—in the definition of complex well sites, and hold operators to monthly instrument-based inspections

• Ensure quick repair timelines for detected leaks to reduce immediate harms to public health, safety, and the environment

• Supplement EPA’s Super Emitter Program by engaging with and connecting impacted residents with necessary methane monitoring, health resources, and expertise to better protect public health

• Create protective standards against flaring of associated gas for wells of all sizes that require thorough proof that other options are infeasible before flaring is allowed

• Submit the state plan as soon as possible, before the 2-year deadline of March 8, 2026. And consider delivering the methane state plan to the Pennsylvania Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC) during its October meeting to meet that timeline

How Can You Help?

Over the past year, regulators have held numerous meetings with community organizations, operators, health experts, and others. Now, the DEP is holding a 60-day public comment period for the public to provide feedback on its approach to implementing these standards.  

A strong methane rule will protect public health. EHP will be testifying on July 22 to ask the DEP to strengthen its implementation and enforcement plan. We hope you will join us in submitting comments and providing testimony. Please feel free to use the bulleted list above to prepare your written comments or remarks. Click here to submit a written comment. Comments will be accepted until July 30, 2025. Click here for details on testifying at an upcoming public hearing.