Methane is the invisible threat pushing the climate crisis to the brink. This greenhouse gas is up to 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over 20 years. Even though it breaks down faster than carbon dioxide, its short-term impact on global warming is far more dangerous¹. Right now, methane is responsible for nearly one-third of all warming from greenhouse gases². We need immediate action to reduce methane emissions before the damage becomes irreversible.

Methane pollution is leaking into our atmosphere from multiple sources. Oil and gas facilities are among the biggest culprits, releasing methane during production, processing, and transportation. Alarmingly, methane leaks from U.S. oil and gas operations are up to three times higher than official government estimates³. This is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore.

To address this, the U.S. government has committed $850 million in federal funding to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector⁴. This investment aims to help operators deploy the technology needed to monitor and reduce methane emissions, while supporting disadvantaged communities that are most impacted by this pollution. But more needs to be done, especially with small operators, who often lack the resources to address these dangerous leaks.

Methane Leaks From Small Operators

While large companies dominate the conversation, smaller operators are also responsible for a significant amount of methane pollution. These smaller facilities often leak methane due to outdated equipment or poor maintenance practices, and they lack the resources to make necessary repairs⁵. Despite their size, the combined emissions from small operators are a major problem for the environment. Current efforts to reduce emissions focus too heavily on large-scale operations, leaving gaps in methane mitigation.

It’s time to provide more support to these smaller operators. With additional funding and improved access to emissions measurement technology, they can play their part in addressing this crisis. By investing in solutions for small operators, we can reduce methane pollution more effectively and prevent further environmental damage.

Communities Are Suffering from Methane Pollution

Communities living near oil and gas operations are bearing the brunt of methane pollution. Prolonged exposure to high levels of methane and other harmful pollutants can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues and increased risks of heart disease⁶. Yet these communities often have limited access to accurate emissions data that could help them understand the risks they face.

The federal government’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program is a step in the right direction, but it needs to go further by ensuring that local communities have access to real-time, transparent data on methane levels in their area. Improved public access to emissions data will allow these communities to hold polluters accountable and protect their health.

Now Is the Time for Action

The current U.S. efforts are essential, but they must be strengthened. We need more funding, better emissions tracking, and stronger support for small operators and communities most impacted by pollution. Methane is a threat we can’t afford to ignore any longer. If we don’t take bold action now, the consequences for our planet—and future generations—will be dire.

Join us in calling for stronger methane regulations, increased support for small operators, and improved access to data for vulnerable communities. Sign the petition and together, we can reduce methane emissions and take a critical step in the fight against climate change.

More on this issue:

1. Environmental Defense Fund, “Methane: A crucial opportunity in the climate fight."
2. NASA Earth Observatory (2019), "Satellite Data Suggest U.S. Methane Emissions Underestimated."
3. Stanford News (13 March 2024), "Methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas operations cost the nation $10 billion per year."
4. Energy.gov (21 June 2024), "DOE and EPA Announce $850 Million to Reduce Methane Pollution from the Oil and Gas Sector."
5. Stanford News (13 March 2024), "Methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas operations cost the nation $10 billion per year."
6. United States Environmental Protection Agency (11 April 2024), "Overview of Greenhouse Gases."