American Lung Association in Nevada Applauds President Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency for Finalizing Strong Methane Safeguards

On Saturday, President Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a historic rule to cut methane pollution from oil and gas production. This rulemaking is a significant step towards mitigating harmful pollution and protecting the health of communities close to oil and gas operations and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

“Oil and gas production worsens climate change by emitting methane, the second most abundant greenhouse gas,” said Melissa Ramos, Senior Manager of Clean Air Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Nevada. “It also emits harmful pollutants including smog-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” said Ramos. “These pollutants can cause worsened asthma, heart and lung diseases, and cancer.”

“Finalizing these safeguards to curb methane pollution will reduce harms of climate change and will protect people living near oil and gas wells who are especially vulnerable and face disproportionate health risks,” said Dr. Joanne Leovy with Nevada Clinicians for Climate Action, “This is a huge win for public health as we transition towards a clean energy future free from harmful pollution.”

These stronger standards for methane pollution are an important measure to respond to climate change and air pollution challenges in Nevada. Las Vegas and Reno continuously rank among the most polluted cities for ozone and short-term particle pollution. Finalizing this rule will clean up pollution in communities across the U.S. and protect Nevadans from the health harms associated with emissions from oil and gas production.