The burning of fossil fuels – including natural gas – emits harmful air pollution like volatile organic compounds which can cause cancer, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, cause difficulty breathing and damage to organs. Oil and gas production also releases methane – a powerful greenhouse gas that is fueling climate change. Methane, also known as natural gas, is a highly potent greenhouse gas, over 80 times more warming than carbon.
The Lung Association advocates for stronger measures to reduce leaks of methane pollution from the oil and gas sector, as well as pushing for a transition to clean, zero-emission sources of energy.
In December 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a new final rule that will significantly reduce emissions of methane from oil and gas operations, as well as emissions of other dangerous air pollutants that harm communities nearby. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Hazardous Safety Administration is also considering new limits to leaks of methane from pipelines. The Lung Association is currently fighting back against threats to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Endangerment Finding to protect methane reduction efforts that improve public health.
Climate change is a health emergency and requires bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like methane: take action.
Read about one community’s experience with gas drilling where they live, work and play, and how they are fighting back against the harmful health impacts of methane.
Page last updated: April 10, 2025
