Press Release

David J. Hayes Addresses EPA’s Methane Announcement

David J. Hayes, Executive Director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law and former Interior Deputy Secretary in the Obama and Clinton administrations, released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement today on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry:

“By walking away from regulating the oil and gas industry’s damaging methane emissions, the administration confirms that it doesn’t give a damn about climate change, the rule of law, or the views of industry leaders who know that smaller oil and gas companies’ irresponsible practices are putting the entire industry — and the planet — at risk.

“From the moment it took office, the Trump administration has tried to avoid implementing existing rules that require oil and gas companies to inspect for, and fix, methane leakage. To date, it has failed. Courts have confirmed EPA’s authority and responsibility to implement existing methane emission rules. EPA is currently trying to hold off a related case brought by state attorneys general to compel application of emissions restrictions to existing oil and gas operations.

“Today’s announcement represents EPA’s latest — and most radical — attempt to avoid its responsibilities to address the known and judicially-confirmed dangers of climate pollution by regulating industry sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The administration will not get away with it.”

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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.