New York awarded $8M to tackle methane emissions from oil and gas wells

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant federal funding boost for New York’s environmental efforts, with the state receiving $8 million from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. This funding, part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program under the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard ground and surface waters across the state.

The investment is a part of a larger federal allocation of $350 million, distributed among 14 states, to address one of the most potent drivers of climate change. In New York, these funds will support the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) initiatives to monitor and mitigate methane emissions, particularly focusing on wells operated by individual landowners. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed their support, emphasizing the importance of this funding in combating climate change and alleviating the financial burden on local communities for environmental cleanups.

This federal funding complements New York’s ongoing efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Hochul previously announced finalized regulations aimed at significantly reducing methane and other emissions from oil and natural gas infrastructure. These efforts are in line with the state’s ambitious clean energy and climate agenda, which includes reducing statewide methane and greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050. The funding and regulatory measures reflect New York’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and its commitment to a sustainable future.