Speak up for PA's Air & All Who Breathe It!

June 25, 2025

Happy Summer, RDA! 

We are delighted to be soaking in the sunshine again, escaping to the woods when we can, and preserving our peace by communing with nature. 

We’ve heard from several members about concerns relating to changes in the forest, and today we want to make you aware of significant danger to the air as a result of methane emissions from oil and gas drilling in PA. 

Did you know the DEP estimates that enough methane to power 820,000 households, or 17 times the number of households in Lycoming County, was emitted into the atmosphere by PA well sites in 2023 alone? 

Thanks to a rule adopted by the EPA in early 2024 with the goal of reducing methane emissions by oil and gas production, states are now responsible for figuring out how to apply the terms of the rule to protect the environment and our health. The PA Department of Environmental Protection has opened their own 200-page rule for public comment. The Pennsylvania proposal requires owners of older, leakier wells to install methane-capture equipment and track and report on progress. 

Methane emissions carry pollutants that exacerbate respiratory problems for over a million Pennsylvanians and increase the risk of cancer. Clean air is a human right, and reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to fight climate change. 

That’s why this rule is so important, and why we need your help! 

The rule is open for public comment through July 30, 2025. Your comments tell PA's governor and legislature that we the people want these rules to protect our health and climate. 

We would love to see you at the public hearing on July 9th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., at the DEP’s Northcentral office in Williamsport. The address is 208 W Third St. 17701. 

Representatives from RDA will be there and commenting.

In order to elevate the chances that this rule will be adopted, we need folks to make comments, both in person and in writing. And we need to fill the seats at the hearing(s). See below for a list of additional hearings, locations, and dates.  

To comment in person (at any hearing), please email Amanda Rodriguez amarodrigu@pa.gov your request to do so. Commenters are limited to five minutes and those who speak are asked to provide two copies of their comments. 

To submit comments digitally, go to the DEP’s website and follow the instructions. 

Can’t wait to see you all on the 9th!