A new poll released by the American Lung Association found that a majority of the public supports the recently-finalized clean air standards to reduce methane emissions from new and modified oil and gas facilities. Limiting methane pollution is critical to combating climate change, which is already taking a toll on the health of Colorado residents in the form of worsened air quality, wildfires, and more.
It's clear the public believes protecting the health of our communities should be a priority, with voters favoring the new standards by a two-to-one margin. Support extends across nearly every demographic group and region of the country as well. We all stand to benefit from cleaner air, but those most vulnerable to harm from these emissions — children, older adults and people with asthma — stand to benefit the most.
Finalizing the methane standards for new and modified sources is important to protect the health of Coloradoans. It is essential that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moves quickly to adopt standards for existing oil and gas facilities — the source of much of the methane leaked into the air today.