The final public hearing for the state methane plan will be held on  July 22, 6:30pm, via Microsoft Teams (Passcode: Bd3cT6wY). Written comments will also be accepted until July 30, 2025. See below for instructions on registering to testify and submitting written comments.

To register to testify, please email Amanda Rodriguez at amarodrigu@pa.gov. Testimony is limited to 5 minutes per person.

Why is this important? Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the second-most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the United States from human activities. It also plays a significant role in air pollution.

Given its substantial impact, addressing methane emissions is critical. Pennsylvania ranks as the second-largest natural gas producer in the United States, making it a key player in methane emissions, as natural gas extraction and processing are major sources of methane leaks. Effective methane reduction strategies in Pennsylvania may significantly influence national greenhouse gas emissions.

PADEP is currently finalizing a State Plan to implement the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards and Emissions Guidelines, which target greenhouse gas emissions from oil and natural gas facilities and aims to reduce methane emissions and other pollutants. This plan details specific actions, regulations, and timelines aimed at meeting methane reduction goals, focusing on key sources such as oil and gas operations and landfills.

Current public comments can be viewed at this site eComment  by clicking “view” for the text comment or clicking the file(s) icon

To submit written comments by July 30, 2025, use one of the following methods:

• Via eComment or by emailing ecomment@pa.gov, using the subject line Proposed OOOOc State Plan
• Mail can be sent to:

Policy Office
Department of Environmental Protection
Rachel Carson State Office Building
P.O. Box 2063
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063