WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding the EPA’s proposed methane regulations on oil and natural gas producers announced today:
“This latest round of EPA regulations is unnecessary. Natural gas producers have cut methane emissions 38 percent since 2005, while increasing production 35 percent, through existing regulations and voluntary industry programs and innovation. EPA’s own data shows that methane emissions from natural gas drilling have gone down significantly over the last decade despite the rapid rise in production. Yet, the administration continues its crusade against fossil fuels regardless of its own data and the threat to jobs and affordable energy for American families. Natural gas is a large and vital part of West Virginia’s economy, especially with our coal industry under attack. However, these new methane mandates threaten to impede natural gas development and job growth in the Mountain State. I will continue working with my colleagues to rein in the administration’s unrelenting overreach and strike a balance between protecting our environment and allowing states like West Virginia to seize the opportunity of our vast natural gas resources.”
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