Trump administration delays oil and gas emissions crackdown

After initially placing a 90-day stay on a critical oil and gas industry rule, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed delaying the standard for another two years while it reconsiders (ahem, considers weakening) the rule. This standard, finalized by the Obama administration, would curb methane leaks from drilling operations by the oil and gas industry. Methane leaks contribute to the threat of catastrophic climate change and further put communities near drilling operations at risk of increased incidences of asthma attacks and cancer. Upon the initial announcement of the 90-day stay, NRDC sued the EPA for its illegal action to delay life-saving protections. The decision to further put off these standards is even more irresponsible. It once again places the interests of polluters over the public.