Udall Statement on Trump EPA Decision to Weaken Methane Pollution Rules

Administration’s backwards move in face of climate crisis underscores urgent need for methane standards in pending pipeline safety bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to weaken methane pollution rules:

“Methane is a dangerous pollutant and greenhouse gas and our way of life is under threat from climate change. EPA’s decision today is an affront to New Mexicans and people across this country who have a right to clean air. By rolling back commonsense standards that reduce waste and curb air pollution – the administration is moving in the wrong direction, needlessly jeopardizing the health and safety of our children and most vulnerable communities. We should be strengthening protections for people and the environment from methane, not weakening them. That is why I’ve introduced an amendment to the pipeline safety bill that would require the best available technology to cut down on methane leaks from pipelines.  I will continue to fight this administration’s attempts to weaken methane safeguards and will work to include stronger methane pollution standards in the pipeline safety bill.”