Washington, DC – As of today’s legal deadline, at least fifteen states have filed lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency to try and block common-sense, cost-effective rules to curb methane pollution and waste from new and modified sources of oil and gas operations.

Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, said in response:

“Methane pollution poses a direct threat to wildlife — and capturing leaking emissions will help companies make more money. That sort of common-sense, win-win solution deserves bipartisan support. Methane is a super-pollutant — when compared with carbon dioxide, methane has over 80 times the impact on climate change over the course of a 20 year period.

“By updating wasteful practices that allow methane to leak during oil and gas production, we can reduce both pollution and the need for additional infrastructure that too often fragments important habitat for iconic species, ranging from pronghorn and elk to trout and sage grouse. Firmly grounded in the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s cost-effective approach will cap leaks and cut waste using available, modern technologies, showing we can both conserve wildlife and strengthen our economy."

The EPA’s finalized rule builds on successful pollution limits some states have already put in place and it sets the stage for the next round of limits that will bring needed reductions from existing oil and gas sources.