The trump administration has eliminated the EPA’S requirement to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. What can we do about it?
Texas produces more greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and more oil and gas than any other state. If we were our own country, we’d rank fourth for global oil production.
For decades, advocates in Texas have been calling for more stringent controls on greenhouse gases like methane emissions and flaring from oil and gas sites, because of the severe impacts of extreme weather we experience in the state.
From massive wildfires, to repeated record-breaking droughts, and deadly floods, few states are as impacted by climate change as Texas. Rescinding the endangerment finding means Texans can’t rely on federal policies to protect our health, we must advocate for stronger protections at the state level.
The Railroad Commission of Texas, our state oil and gas agency, oversees permits for venting and flaring from oil and gas wells and gathering facilities. The agency has routinely granted nearly all flaring permit applications it receives, and has no legitimate method for enforcing permit limits on volumes or durations allowed for venting and flaring.
We encourage all who are angry and dismayed by the repeal of the endangerment finding to join local efforts to fight pollution and demand that our state government agencies, like the Railroad Commission, fulfill their duties to protect public health and the environment.
Check out TexasFlaringProject.org to see the cost and impact of oil and gas flaring in your county — and join us today by signing our form to get updates on how you can ensure the Railroad Commission clearly defines and enforces venting and flaring limits.
