Lung Association Applauds Senate's Vote Rejecting Resolution to Block Safeguards from Oil and Gas Industry Methane Venting, Flaring and Leaking

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to defeat a Motion to Proceed on the Congressional Review Act resolution to block the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Methane and Waste Prevention Rule, a clean air safeguard that will reduce dangerous emissions of methane and other harmful gases from the oil and gas industry. Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement in response:

“Today’s vote means that an important solution to reducing venting, flaring and leaking of methane and other hazardous pollutants will likely be upheld, which will help protect the health of our families.

“The Senate’s vote today is good news, and not just because of the protections that it preserves. The Senate voted not to take up a Congressional Review Act resolution that would not only have rolled back clean air protections to reduce methane leaks and waste, but would also have blocked the BLM from even trying to provide substantially similar protections in the future. The Senate’s refusal to use this extreme measure to permanently prohibit a clean air safeguard is a victory for public health and safety.

“Reducing methane emissions is essential to combating climate change, which is already harming Americans’ health. The Lung Association thanks all senators who voted not to take up the resolution, and urges the BLM to move forward with the rule’s implementation without delay.”