Quick takes:
- Methane pollution released today could warm the planet more over the next 10 years than carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.
- Methane frequently leaks or is purposely released at oil and gas sites nationwide, according to more than a decade of research led by the Environmental Defense Fund.
- The EPA has proposed measures to cut oil and gas methane pollution, including from smaller, low-producing wells that have escaped regulation in the past.
Melissa Ostroff was walking through Boyce Park, outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when she was struck by the smell of sulfur and heard a loud, hissing noise. Bushwhacking her way off trail for a closer look, Ostroff, an advocate with the nonprofit Earthworks, quickly found the source — a broken gas well.
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Related: How voters said ‘yes’ to the environment on ballot measures in 2022
Using a special infrared video camera that can spot oil and gas leaks invisible to the naked eye, Ostroff saw a plume of climate-polluting methane spewing from the well, likely accompanied by smog-forming and cancer-causing chemicals associated with natural gas.
There are about 267,000 active oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. The vast majority are older, less productive wells like this one, which are not covered by the Environmental Protection Agency’s existing regulations to limit methane pollution.
Related: America wasn’t so beautiful before EPA protections
But in 2022, research from a team of Environmental Defense Fund scientists revealed that nationwide, hundreds of thousands of low-producing wells like these pose a big problem for the climate. They are responsible for half the methane pollution from all oil and gas wells.
Now, a new EPA proposal could at last require companies to frequently check for and address pollution from low-producing oil and gas wells. The agency could also limit flaring, the practice of burning off natural gas instead of collecting it — another source of methane and air pollution, and a major waste of resources when gas supplies are tight around the world.
This article originally appeared on EDF.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
More from MediaFeed:
This art is garbage. Literally
Washed Ashore is hoping to teach people about marine debris and plastic pollution through epic, giant artworks of sea creatures … all of which are made from, you guessed it, ocean garbage.
According to Washed Ashore’s website, the organization works with artists and scientists to educate the public on how consumer habits can cost sea creatures their habits, homes and even their lives. They hope to teach exhibit-goers that “every action counts.” The traveling exhibit has been on display at the U.S. State Department, United Nations, The Smithsonian National Museum’s Ocean Hall and more. You can learn more about Washed Ashore’s mission online.
Check out some of Washed Ashore out-of-this-world, large-scale sculptures and wall pieces below!
WashedAshore.org
This great white shark seems even more, well, great, when you remember it’s made from debris from the ocean!
WashedAshore.org
The detail on this giant penguin named Gertrude is stunning!
WashedAshore.org
This gigantic jellyfish is larger than life!
WashedAshore.org
This colorful turtle was created against the backdrop of its very own ocean, complete with algae and a jellyfish friend!
WashedAshore.org
The Whale Ribs arch is a popular attraction since visitors can walk through it and marvel and the craftsmanship from both inside and outside the arch.
WashedAshore.org
Priscilla the Parrot is a colorful feat that will surely capture your attention.
WashedAshore.org
SeeMore offers viewers a rather realistic depiction of a sea lion, considering it’s made completely from sea rubbish.
WashedAshore.org
This blue marlin artwork is one of many from Washed Ashore that is sturdy enough to be displayed outside!
WashedAshore.org
The magnificent red octopus truly shows off how garbage can be turned into a work of art.
WashedAshore.org
This giant shark comes with its own patch of sea algae, coral and more!
WashedAshore.org
You almost won’t believe this sturgeon is made from garbage; it looks so realistic and life-like!
WashedAshore.org
This patriotic bald eagle stands tall with its wings outstretched to the sky.
WashedAshore.org
One of many jellyfish made through Washed Ashore, this gumdrop jellyfish stands tall over a bed of colorful sea coral.
WashedAshore.org
The tufted penguin’s hair truly does look like, well, hair! And its orange eyes, beak and feet stand out against its black coloring.
WashedAshore.org
The blue and orange trigger fish floats atop some algae and rope.
WashedAshore.org
You’ll fall in love with this adorably cute polar bear named Daisy!
WashedAshore.org
This whale tail statue really shows off just how big the whale is!
WashedAshore.org
Hugo isn’t the only humpback on display! Meet Grace, who has an equally impressive and artistic tail.
WashedAshore.org
The silvertip shark is showed off through this model made entirely of ocean debris.
WashedAshore.org
This heartwarming depiction of two penguins will almost make you forgot about the fact that they’re made from trash found in the ocean.
WashedAshore.org
Edward “swims” with a jellyfish in this colorful ocean display!
WashedAshore.org
Natasha hopes you think twice about littering as she catches some waves!
WashedAshore.org
With its flippers outstretched, Brody stands tall over visitors.
WashedAshore.org
This happy seal sits on a bed of colorful items found deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
WashedAshore.org
Zorabelle is one of man penguins on display at Washed Ashore’s traveling exhibits.
WashedAshore.org
Finn looks like it’s practically swimming in this extravagant sculpture.
WashedAshore.org
Leo is so tall that we couldn’t even capture its whole body in one photo!
WashedAshore.org
Creamsicle’s tentacles are both impressive and elegant!
WashedAshore.org
Marigold is a colorful jellyfish made with primarily yellow, orange and white debris.
WashedAshore.org
This blackberry jellyfish is another massive sculpture made for Washed Ashore’s traveling exhibits.
WashedAshore.org
This epic salmon swims on a sea of vibrant blue water, complete with white foam on top of the wave it’s swimming on.
WashedAshore.org
This adorable river otter stands on a bed of rock with flowers and algae peeking out of its crevices.
WashedAshore.org
Angus is made out of vibrant yellow debris and floats on top of a bed of algae.
WashedAshore.org
This clownfish stands out against a pastel-colored sea anemone.
WashedAshore.org
Bella the blue angelfish certainly looks angelic on top of this vibrant coral reef!
WashedAshore.org
Flip Flop is one of many artworks designed to be displayed on the walls of Washed Ashore’s exhibit spaces.
WashedAshore.org
Fish Bite is a green and blue artwork displayed on a exhibit space’s wall.
WashedAshore.org
Stella is a green, white and yellow seahorse with features made from various pieces of ocean debris, including brooms, mops and combs.
WashedAshore.org
This patriotic sea star is made out of, you guessed it, pieces of red, white and blue ocean trash.
WashedAshore.org
These incredibly detailed masks almost look like they’re straight out of a museum, but they’re actually straight out of the ocean!
Like what you see? You can learn more about the artwork and where they’re visiting next on WashedAshore.org.
Related:
This article was
produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
WashedAshore.org
shalamov / istockphoto
Featured Image Credit: Jun / iStock.
