‘Red Flags’ on Climate: U.S. Methane Emissions Keep Climbing | Satellite data shows the U.S. releasing more and more of the potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, despite pledges to cut back.

‘Red Flags’ on Climate: U.S. Methane Emissions Keep Climbing

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/climate/us-methane-greenhouse-gas.html?unlocked_article_code=1.L04.THCp.XJ87XbatJ-0O

Satellite data shows the U.S. releasing more and more of the potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, researchers said, despite pledges to cut back.

‘Red Flags’ on Climate: U.S. Methane Emissions Keep Climbing

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thejevans

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Even if we stopped giving out drilling permits and closed all marginal wells tomorrow, emissions would continue to increase. There are lots of oil and gas facilities that have permitted wells that they haven't drilled yet, and newer facilities that will probably emit more as they age.

Actively reducing emissions in aggregate over the whole country, not just reducing the rate of increase in emissions will either require a lot of time or decisive action from Washington to force states to cancel permits and ban drilling, which is pretty clearly not going to happen without a massive shift in political leanings in the House, Senate, Presidency, and the courts.

It fucking sucks, but without massive political pressure I don't expect much on the federal level anytime soon.

In the meantime, vote for state candidates this cycle that say they will do the most, and pressure them to do the most they possibly can and don't ever let up.