New Research Details Hidden Health Risks of Methane Emissions
Recent research is highlighting significant, and often overlooked, public health risks associated with methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. A study by PSE healthy Energy, utilizing satellite data and air quality records between 2016 and 2025, identified ”super-emitter” events – defined as methane releases exceeding 100 kilograms per hour – across 11 US states. These emissions, occurring throughout the oil and gas supply chain, aren’t just a climate concern; they are accompanied by toxic pollutants like benzene, a known carcinogen.
The findings reveal that methane-related air pollution poses a threat to the health of oil and gas workers, residents of nearby fence-line communities, and individuals in homes, schools, and health centers up to 19 kilometers away from emission sources. Peer-reviewed research indicates that at least 126,000 Americans may be exposed,though researchers at PSE Health Energy acknowledge this is likely an underestimate given the study only captured a fraction of total methane releases. Millions of Americans live in proximity to oil and gas infrastructure.
This research arrives at a critical juncture.The US recently rolled back a domestic methane fee, a move estimated to cost taxpayers $7.2 billion, according to news reports. Simultaneously, a key 2024 EU methane regulation, designed to require oil and gas companies – including exporters to Europe – to track, report, and reduce methane intensity, faces potential weakening.The regulation is currently awaiting full implementation by member states but could be included in the European Commission’s “Omnibus” program aimed at “simplifying” legislation.
Pressure to reconsider the regulation is coming from US officials and oil and gas lobby groups,as reported by Politico and InfluenceMap. Advocates argue the EU should maintain its firm stance on the regulation’s implementation timeline and prioritize rigorous enforcement. The PSE research underscores the urgency of this position,serving as a warning that weakening or delaying these measures would jeopardize both global climate goals and the health of communities exposed to toxic air pollution.
