Oppose Trump's Weakening of Methane Limits

I urge you to take legislative action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane from oil and gas operations. The administration’s efforts to weaken methane safeguards and end independent monitoring risk reversing practical measures that prevent pollution and waste. Methane is a powerful heat-trapping gas, and oil and gas operations are the nation’s largest industrial source. EPA estimated that its 2023 standards could prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions from 2024 through 2038. Those standards required leak monitoring and repairs, reduced emissions from high-emitting equipment, and phased out routine flaring at new oil wells. Methane controls also reduce pollutants such as smog-forming compounds and benzene, which threaten nearby communities’ health. Please support legislation that establishes durable, enforceable methane protections. It should require regular leak detection and prompt repairs across oil and gas facilities, including marginal wells; set limits on venting and routine flaring; require accurate emissions reporting; and preserve independent satellite and sensor monitoring for major leaks. Congress should also maintain effective incentives for companies to capture gas that would otherwise be wasted, rather than weakening accountability for excessive emissions. These policies need not prevent responsible energy production. Capturing leaks can conserve saleable gas, while clear standards give operators and investors predictable expectations. Some states have adopted or advanced their own methane controls, demonstrating that monitoring, repair, and equipment requirements can be put into practice. Federal legislation should set a strong nationwide floor while allowing states to adopt more protective standards. In short, we need a broad, enforceable program requiring oil and gas operators to detect and repair leaks. Please oppose efforts to dismantle methane safeguards and work across party lines on legislation that cuts greenhouse gas pollution, protects public health, and curbs wasted energy. I also ask you to support transparent reporting and regular public progress updates so communities can see whether emissions are actually falling. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. I hope you will make methane reduction a legislative priority.