Leading Pennsylvania and national environmental organizations Wednesday encouraged Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf to improve the protection of environmental and public health by tackling methane pollution early in his tenure as Governor.

Recent polling indicates that 70 percent of Pennsylvanians not only have been dissatisfied with the lack of state leadership on natural gas issues, but also support regulating methane emissions in our state. The poll conducted by Global Strategies Group of 801 registered voters in PA between September 25 – 29, 2014.

Gov.-Elect Wolf expressed a similar perspective – in line with public sentiment – earlier this year when he addressed the issue of methane leaks: “We need to get clean air and clean water regulations that actually would prevent [methane leaks] from happening.”

By adopting leading-edge practices to prevent methane emissions, Pennsylvania can make a common sense and cost-effective commitment to protecting public health and safety and our environment. 

The groups urged Gov.-Elect Wolf to build on public support and make comprehensive methane regulations one of the first acts of his administration. Early action on methane will signal a commitment to safeguarding our air, water and land and protecting Pennsylvania families and the communities in which they live.

Participating organizations include the Clean Air Council, Clean Air Task Force, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Clean Water Action, Environmental Defense Fund, Group Against Smog and Pollution, PennEnvironment, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PennFuture, and The Nature Conservancy – Pennsylvania Chapter.

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1/12/2015