EPA Administrator Emphasizes Comprehensive Strategy
Under President Biden’s leadership, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking significant steps to tackle wasteful methane emissions that pose a threat to communities and exacerbate the climate crisis. EPA Administrator Michael Regan expressed confidence in the proposed fee’s ability to incentivize industry innovation and prompt action, in addition to complementing existing technology standards and resources.
Support from Green Groups and Democratic Leaders
The announcement received immediate praise from environmental organizations and Democratic congressional leaders. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee members acknowledged the proposal as a crucial measure to combat climate change and protect the environment. Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, emphasized the necessity of implementing a methane fee to reduce emissions across various sectors of the economy.
Methane: A Super Pollutant
Environmentalists and Democrats have long advocated for stricter regulations targeting methane, referred to as a “super pollutant.” The EPA echoed these concerns, highlighting the reduction of methane emissions as one of the most critical actions the United States can take to slow the alarming rise in global temperatures.
Fossil Fuel Industry Pushes Back
However, the fossil fuel industry expressed disapproval of the proposed fee, characterizing it as a “punitive tax increase.” Industry representatives argued that the fee would create an incoherent and confusing regulatory environment that hampers innovation and impedes meeting rising energy demands. They called for collaboration with Congress to repeal what they deemed a misguided tax on American energy.
EPA’s Comprehensive Approach
The EPA’s methane fee proposal follows the recent unveiling of separate regulations at the United Nations climate summit. These regulations require the energy industry to significantly reduce methane emissions by incorporating advanced technology such as pollution-control equipment, aerial screening, sensor networks, and satellites. The EPA emphasized that the fee, when finalized, will work alongside these regulations, encouraging the oil and gas industry to lower emissions and utilize available technologies to reduce harmful and wasteful methane emissions.
The Waste Emissions Charge aims to level the playing field for industry leaders already implementing best practices and create near-term opportunities for widespread methane reduction. This approach aligns with the EPA and state efforts to fully implement Clean Air Act standards.