After nearly two years of advocacy by ASBN members and partners, we are thrilled to announce that the EPA just finalized a new rule on methane reduction, a huge win for both our climate and public health. 

ASBN fought for new rules on methane reduction in several ways. First, we developed our Business Case for Methane Emissions Reduction, which argued that a transition away from an extractive economy – through strong regulation and public policy – will encourage private investment and foster greater innovation. Next, we organized businesses and investors from the ASBN community, resulting in business leaders sending 240 comments to the EPA during the public comment period. 

As ASBN members, your action was critical in winning the strongest possible regulations on dangerous methane emissions. 

This rule comes at a pivotal time: As global leaders gather for the COP28 U.N. Climate Change Conference, the U.S. must show the world that we’re ready to lead with ambitious climate policies. Methane makes up about 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., but is responsible for 25% of current warming, and traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Reducing methane pollution is a major step towards mitigating the climate crisis. 

Methane regulation is not only good for our climate – it’s good for business. Minimizing methane pollution will prevent continued harm to local communities and ecosystems, reduce pricing uncertainty and market volatility, and stimulate investment and innovation.

Thank you to all of ASBN’s Climate and Energy working group members who supported this campaign and our many members who helped advocate for this ambitious rule. Let’s keep working together to create an equitable, regenerative, and just economy that benefits everyone – people and planet.

Sincerely,

Michael Green, ASBN Director of Climate & Energy Policy