On February 15, 2018 workers at an XTO fracking well pad in Belmont County, Ohio, lost control of the well they were working on which resulted in an explosion, subsequent fire, and a massive methane leak that lasted for nearly 20 days.
While this incident exposes problems with the safe operation of fracking wells, especially in close range to homes and schools, it also highlights the everyday problem of methane leaks from the new surge in shale gas operations in Ohio.
The problem with methane pollution, whether massive one-time leaks or smaller chronic leaks across the industry, is that it is a major contributor to the formation of smog, which is harmful to human health. Methane is also an extremely potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change.
Chronic methane leaks were on the way to being tackled under the last presidential administration. Unfortunately, under the Trump Administration, EPA Director Scott Pruitt and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke have taken every step possible to slow down and undo federal protections from methane pollution.
You can reach out to your US Senators today and let them know that you want US EPA and BLM to do their jobs to protect the health of Ohioans and our public lands from methane pollution. Tell them you support these common sense methane standards.
Melanie Houston
Director of Climate Programs
Ohio Environmental Council & OEC Action Fund
1145 Chesapeake Avenue, Suite I, Columbus, 43212
