United Methodist Women Applauds White House Proposal for Stronger Rules on Methane Emissions

Noting that Low-Wealth, Black, and other Frontline Communities Will Benefit

The Following Statement Can Be Attributed to Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee.

NEW YORK – Following a White House proposal to implement stronger rules on methane emissions from oil and gas drilling, United Methodist Women Executive for Environmental and Economic Justice Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee issued the following statement:

“Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a much-needed step forward with their proposed rule to rein in methane and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing sources in the oil and gas industry. The rule must still be strengthened to address methane emissions reductions in smaller wells and issues of routine flaring. Annually, the oil and gas industry releases 16 million metric tons of planet-warming methane into the atmosphere, and over 12.5 million Americans live near oil and gas operations that threaten their health with the toxic air pollution that are emitted alongside methane. Those disproportionately impacted are Black, Indigenous, communities of color, and low-wealth communities.

“As women of faith called to care for God’s creation and love our neighbors, we support stronger methane regulations that will protect frontline communities, children’s health, and creation. As the largest historic emitter of climate-warming pollution, the US must do its fair share and drastically reduce methane use and waste.”

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United Methodist Women is the nation’s largest denominational organization for women. Members turn their faith, hope, and love into action, raising more than $10 million annually to support community centers and other programs empowering women, children, and youth in the United States and around the world.

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Contact: Yvette Moore, ymoore@unitedmethodistwomen.org