Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Oil and Gas Methane Rule. The coalition filed a motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, backing the State of California and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This rule is currently contested by 26 states, led by Texas and Oklahoma, which seek to overturn it.

The EPA's Final Rule aims to strengthen methane emission regulations from new, modified, and reconstructed facilities in the oil and natural gas sector. It also introduces regulations for existing facilities for the first time. "Emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change, must be reduced if we are to protect the environment and public health," said Nessel.

CARB Chair Liane Randolph emphasized California's proactive measures against methane emissions: "The public health impacts from pollution and the extreme environmental challenges we face with climate change require urgency and action."

Methane is noted as being up to 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. It is primarily emitted during oil and gas production processes, making these industries significant sources of methane emissions in the U.S.

The coalition supports several aspects of the EPA’s Final Rule including routine monitoring for leaks at oil and gas sites, phasing out routine flaring from new wells, setting standards for previously uncovered equipment, allowing flexible monitoring techniques, establishing state guidelines for emission standards enforcement plans, and creating a “super-emitter program.”

Nessel's recent actions reflect her ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy both within Michigan and nationally. She has supported various initiatives including Congress funding under the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at addressing climate-related events.

For five years, Nessel has opposed Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 pipeline operation in the Great Lakes due to potential environmental risks. A federal judge recently ordered Enbridge to shut down or reroute this pipeline within three years.

Nessel’s efforts have earned her an “A” rating from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Joining Nessel are attorneys general from states including California, Connecticut, Colorado among others.