Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the waste emissions charge of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) using the Congressional Review Act. Today, Senate Republicans followed suit. In response, Evergreen Action Executive Director Lena Moffitt released the following statement:

“Repealing this commonsense policy is nothing more than a blatant handout to corporate polluters at the expense of American families. The waste emissions charge holds reckless oil and gas companies accountable for excessive methane pollution, protecting public health and the climate. Instead of standing up for their constituents, Republicans are doing the bidding of Big Oil. 

“Let’s be clear: Responsible companies have nothing to fear from this measure. The only corporations impacted are those that refuse to use readily available technology to curb dangerous methane leaks. Gutting this program means more toxic pollution in our air, higher energy prices, and bigger profits for polluters—at our expense. Voters across party lines overwhelmingly support policies to cut methane pollution, yet Republicans are putting their polluter allies ahead of their own constituents. It’s not just reckless—it’s political malpractice. We’re grateful to Senator Whitehouse and his Democratic colleagues for their leadership in defending American families from Republican attacks on their wallets and health.”

Last month, a new national poll from YouGov revealed broad, bipartisan support for preserving federal investments that strengthen clean energy industries and promote their use. When asked about specific programs and tax credits, voters overwhelmingly backed each by two-thirds or more, including methane fees for polluting oil and gas companies (71%). You can find additional key takeaways from the poll here. 

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