Improvements Needed in EPA Efforts to Address Methane Emissions F rom Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines

"The EPA has placed little focus and attention on reducing methane emissions from pipelines in

the natural gas distribution sector. In 2012, the EPA stated its intent to continue to

evaluate the appropriateness of regulating methane.The 2013 Climate Action Plan

calls for the EPA, in conjunction with other federal agencies, to develop a comprehensive

interagency strategy to address methane emissions..."

Methane emissions

NOAA Reports Carbon Dioxide, Methane Rise Sharply in 2007"Last year alone global levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the primary driver of global climate change, increased by 0.6 percent, or 19 billion tons. Additionally methane rose by 27 million tons after nearly a decade with little or no increase. NOAA scientists released these and other preliminary findings today as part of an annual update to the agency’s greenhouse gas index, which tracks data from 60 sites around the world."