Pennsylvania is the nation’s second largest producer of natural gas, yet the state’s gas industry is guilty of leaking massive quantities of methane – essentially the gas itself – into the atmosphere. Fortunately, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection is taking steps to ensure Pennsylvania is leading on energy, not on air pollution. Here are five reasons why state leaders are moving forward to address invisible, yet harmful, methane emissions.
1) It saves money. Pennsylvania companies report leaking approximately $20 million worth of natural gas into the atmosphere every year. Policies that reduce pollution can deliver more dollars to the local economy.
2) It saves energy. Methane is natural gas – the same energy source we use to power about 1/3 of our nation’s electricity. Conserving this gas helps conserve an important domestic energy resource.
3) It creates jobs. Many of the companies that focus on reducing emissions are based right here in Pennsylvania. By requiring more operators to use these tools and services, we can create more high quality jobs in the manufacturing, technology and service industries.
4) It improves health. Methane is often leaked with other types of harmful pollution that can worsen air quality and cause respiratory problems and lung disease.
5) It’s good for the climate. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for roughly 25% of current global warming – reducing it can help slow the record-breaking heat we have experienced over the last 3 years.
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At a time when our nation’s clean air and water protections are under threat, it’s encouraging to see Pennsylvania leaders take real steps to move ahead with affordable, effective policies that can conserve energy, help the economy, and clean the air – proving that we don’t have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. We can have both.