DENVER (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is holding public hearings on the Obama administration’s proposal to slash methane emissions from oil and gas production to rein in climate change.
About 150 people have signed up to speak at hearings in Denver on Wednesday. Sessions are also scheduled in Dallas on Wednesday and in Pittsburgh on Sept. 29.
Energy industry representatives, environmentalists, local officials and people calling themselves citizens have asked to speak in Denver.
The rules are aimed at cutting methane emissions from oil and gas production by 40 to 45 percent by 2025 compared with 2012 levels. Methane is a key component of natural gas and a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the upper atmosphere.
The administration has also announced rules to cut carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants.
