Dear John,

How do we hold polluters accountable? It starts with robust rules that limit harmful climate emissions. But to make them stick we need strong incentives too. That’s why we’re excited to share the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newest proposal to charge oil and gas companies for excess methane emissions!

It’s a big step in the right direction, but one thing is already clear: oil and gas companies won’t be happy about it. That’s why we need advocates like you to speak up and show support for EPA’s Waste Emissions Charge (WEC).

Take one minute to submit a public comment supporting EPA’s new Waste Emissions Charge and stand up to some of our biggest polluters!

The WEC is a part of Congress’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) and comes just a couple months after EPA finalized its national methane regulations. The waste charge is designed to incentivize oil and gas companies to reduce harmful climate and local air pollution and waste by assessing a fee on their emissions. 

Here’s how it works: any oil and gas facility that emits more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 will be charged by the ton starting with their 2024 emissions. But that’s not all. Congress also designed the waste charge to incentivize compliance with EPA’s national methane regulations. Any company who violates federal methane standards at any or all of their sites and who emit above the thresholds will be held accountable and have to pay the fee.

This provides oil and gas companies with a powerful incentive to reduce emissions by fixing leaks, adopting new low-emission technology, reducing routine flaring, and more closely monitoring emissions. And it will have a big impact! EPA estimates that the waste emissions charge will cut nearly a million metric tons of methane by 2035, resulting in $1.9 billion in climate benefits. 

Now, as global methane emissions reach historic highs, it’s imperative that we use every tool available to rein in big polluters. Take action today! By raising your voice you’ll help the EPA do its part in holding oil and gas companies accountable for their emissions!

Let's fight for a safer climate,

Wes Rogerson
Manager, Grassroots Organizing & Activism