Letter to the editor: Leaders must stop methane leaks

I am concerned about the dangerous public health impacts of living near oil and gas development sites that leak methane. Natural gas can heat our homes and cook our meals. But when natural gas — mostly methane — leaks into the air, it’s a big problem.

Methane is a colorless, odorless gas, so you may have no idea how close a leak is to your home. Outdoor methane leaks contribute to smog, which aggravates asthma and other respiratory conditions. A peer-­reviewed 2023 study by the Boston University School of Public Health and the University of North Carolina found that 605 early deaths were recorded in Pennsylvania as a direct result of oil and gas emissions, second only to Texas nationwide.

Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection need to create a strong, durable and protective state methane emission reduction plan. Across party lines, Pennsylvanians want clean air alongside good jobs. Ask our leaders to pass substantive, commonsense protections to reduce methane waste and air pollution from oil and gas operations and protect the people in front-line communities like mine.

Cutting methane pollution is not controversial — people on both sides of the aisle want clean air, and industry wants to capture the lost fuel for more profits. Our leaders and the DEP must stand up for our health and well-being, and protect the right for all Americans to breathe clean air and stop this methane waste.

Michele Klingensmith

Trafford