Ripe's video: Trump s EPA Weakens Methane Regulations Leaving Oil Industry Divided

On Thursday, the EPA proposed a rollback of Obama-era rules limiting methane emissions. Under the new plan, the government will no longer require the fossil fuel industry to monitor or limit leaks from wells, tanks and pipelines. Methane is the primary ingredient in natural gas, a fuel that’s surged in usage over the past decade with the advent of fracking. Although methane only accounts for ten percent of US greenhouse gas emissions, the gas traps heat 25 times as effectively as CO2, with some estimates suggesting methane is even more potent than that. This complicates the common perception that natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal or oil. And recent research suggests methane emissions are rising. NASA study in January found that fracking has a “significantly larger” contribution to methane levels than previously thought. Surprisingly, several key players in the oil and gas industry oppose the EPA’s rule changes. Forbes reports that BP, Exxon and Shell are worried that the reputation of natural gas will suffer if the rules governing methane are relaxed. These companies have some time to make their displeasure known. The rule change will first go through a six-month period of public review before it can be enacted. This window may be crucial - Scott Pruitt attempted to suspend the methane rules in 2017, until a federal court ruled against his move. Ripe is one of the first US media production companies dedicated to telling plant-based, vegan, and environmental stories. ​ ​We only produce original digital video content including TV series, documentaries, breaking & current news, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. ​ It is our promise to provide you with informative, entertaining, and well produced content on all things plant-based, vegan and environmental. You can watch our shows, news, interviews, and documentaries directly on our website, Facebook and YouTube channel. We are 100% independently funded out of pocket with no big backers, angel investors, or secret sponsorship fees... ​With warm regards, ​The Ripe Team SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/ripewatch CHECK US OUT: Ripewatch.com FOLLOW RIPE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ripewatch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripewatch Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripewatch