The burning of fossil fuels – including natural gas – emits harmful air pollution like volatile organic compounds which can cause cancer, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, cause difficulty breathing and damage to organs. Oil and gas production also releases methane – a powerful greenhouse gas that is fueling climate change.
The Lung Association advocates for stronger measures to reduce leaks of methane pollution from the oil and gas sector, as well as pushing for a transition to clean, zero-emission sources of energy.
In December 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a new final rule that will significantly reduce emissions of methane from oil and gas operations, as well as emissions of other dangerous air pollutants that harm communities nearby. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Hazardous Safety Administration is also considering new limits to leaks of methane from pipelines.
Climate change is a health emergency and requires bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like methane: take action.
Page last updated: December 2, 2024
