Waterkeeper Alliance Opposes Resolutions to Eliminate Methane Fee For Largest Polluters
By: Waterkeeper Alliance
Today, the House and Senate introduced Congressional Review Act resolutions to eliminate a commonsense methane emissions fee targeting the largest industry emitters. Waterkeeper Alliance opposes these resolutions, emphasizing that the fee reduces waste, creates jobs, applies to less than 15% of sector emissions, and is avoidable through cost-effective technologies. These technologies not only create jobs but also boost producer revenue and generate additional government income.
Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, issued the following statement in response:
“Repealing the Waste Emissions Charge would allow a few companies responsible for excessive methane emissions to evade accountability at the expense of our communities. Many of these companies have spent the past decade promising to reduce methane pollution; it’s time for them to step up and take the necessary actions to deliver on those commitments.
The Waste Emissions Charge is a practical, cost-effective solution to reduce methane emissions and dangerous co-pollutants, provide critical protections for communities and workers, limit the rate of global warming, and mitigate dangerous impacts on our waterways and public health.
Recent polling shows that a substantial majority of residents in key oil and gas producing states support stronger methane pollution standards to protect air quality, safeguard public health, address climate change, and create jobs. We urge Congress to listen to their constituents, reject efforts to repeal the methane fee, and support continued progress in cutting methane pollution, creating jobs, reducing waste, and protecting communities.”
The Waste Emissions Charge is a key part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Only companies emitting 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or more—and failing to meet federal standards—are subject to the fee. By adopting readily available emission controls required by commonsense methane standards, companies can avoid the charge while reducing waste and pollution.
