Dear Marie,
Earlier this week, the Environmental Protection Agency held a virtual public hearing on its decision to delay the compliance deadline for the Section 111 Methane Rule. Finalized in 2024, this rule is estimated to prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions between 2024 and 2038, and Western Leaders Network has been advocating for it for years. Its timely implementation is essential to drastically cutting climate pollution, safeguarding public health, protecting taxpayer resources, and driving new revenue to local communities.
If you missed the hearing, you can watch it here. You’ll see that 90% of those who testified — almost 60 people across 17 states, including participation from our network leaders in Wyoming and New Mexico (two states facing significant methane challenges) — voiced support for commonsense methane regulation and opposed the delay.
We now urge you to submit a written public comment by October 2 to express your disapproval of this delay and share your concerns about methane’s impact on your community’s public health, environment, and economic sustainability. Even though this federal decision has already been made, it’s crucial that leaders like you continue to show up and speak out for your constituents.
Information on submitting public comments can be found here, and you can contact je...@westernleaders.org for talking points, a completed draft to submit, and/or assistance submitting comments.
By delaying the compliance deadline, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is disregarding widespread, bipartisan support for a rule we direly need — and the voices of local leaders like you who are fighting for clean air, healthy communities, and strong, resilient economies.
Some groups have already filed a lawsuit challenging this delay, and we will continue to monitor next steps closely and keep you updated as new opportunities for engagement arise.
Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to protecting the people and places you serve.
In service and solidarity,
Liane Jollon
Executive Director
