LINK TO COMMENT HERE: www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/ 

PENNSYLVANIA SAMPLE LANGUAGE

Dear Secretary Shirley,

As a constituent concerned with climate change, air pollution, and protecting our state's economy, I support Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection’s proposal to adopt resilient methane protections based on the 2024 U.S. EPA methane rule that will align both environmental and economic goals and promote innovation while safeguarding public health.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the short term, is responsible for about 30% of the warming we're experiencing today.  A durable methane proposal will protect communities and our climate, create jobs, and help ensure that Pennsylvania's energy sector remains competitive as consumers demand cleaner sources of energy.

Research shows that reducing oil and gas methane emissions is the fastest, most cost effective way to slow the current rate of warming while protecting the health of frontline communities. Now is the time to implement long-lasting standards that cut methane from existing oil and gas sources. 

In 2023 alone, Pennsylvania released more than 1 million metric tons of methane through venting, flaring and leaks – that’s the same amount of climate emissions as 23 coal plants or 21 million vehicles. And since methane is the main ingredient of natural gas, that waste is valued at $178 million and nearly  enough gas to meet the heating and cooking needs of every household in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. 

With so much uncertainty in Washington, Gov. Shapiro can lead by adopting these commonsense protections that will reduce emissions, create jobs, improve the health of all Pennsylvanians. Once finalized, his administration must take steps to ensure they are durable regardless of what happens in Washington. That’s exactly what these methane standards do and we need to adopt it.