EPA methane rule delay could worsen risks for OH communities

By Farah Siddiqi

Environmental and community groups in Ohio say the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's move to postpone its 2024 methane rule could have serious consequences for neighborhoods already facing air quality challenges.

The rule would require steep reductions in methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and gas industry but the agency has opted to delay enforcement for another 18 months. Advocates warned the decision leaves many Ohioans, particularly those living near industrial activity, without protections designed to safeguard their health.

Yosef Robele, federal policy manager for the group WE ACT for Environmental Justice, said the delay directly puts communities at risk.

"This delay is, unfortunately, more likely than not going to result in unnecessary deaths and increased hospital visits, or continuation of high rates of ER visits; public health burdens being placed on communities near it," Robele asserted.

EPA analysis showed the methane rule could prevent 1,500 premature deaths and 100,000 asthma attacks each year. Environmental justice groups said delaying enforcement weakens protections for communities living closest to industrial emissions, including those near Ohio’s shale gas developments and petrochemical facilities.

Mainly low-income and rural communities live near such developments.

Robele stressed communities close to oil and gas infrastructure face the most severe health effects.

"Any community in which there are oil and gas facilities currently operating is going to be hit disproportionately," Robele explained.

Advocates said they are evaluating legal and policy options to ensure the methane rule is ultimately implemented. They argued stronger regulatory standards would reduce pollution, lower long-term health costs, and help safeguard Ohio communities living near fossil fuel infrastructure.