EPA moves to allow more methane pollution—a powerful planet warmer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to loosen critical requirements to find and fix leaks of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The move would allow oil and gas companies to perform less frequent inspections that help find and repair gas leaks. In addition to fueling climate change, methane is a public health threat, one that triggers asthma attacks and is linked to increased risks of cancer for those living nearby oil and gas facilities. But wait, it gets worse. Coming as soon as this week, the Bureau of Land Management is expected to propose weaker rules on methane flaring, a tremendously wasteful and dirty industry practice.