White House unveils new methane gas task force for emissions reduction

The Biden administration announced this week that it will be appointing members to a “Cabinet-level Methane Task Force” in an effort to “dramatically reduce methane emissions” in the United States.

The announcement came on the heels of a summit on methane emissions, which the White House described as “dangerous climate pollution.” The new task force is being assigned to detect and curb methane leaks, but says it will also “support state and local efforts to mitigate and enforce methane emissions regulations.”

Methane is the main ingredient found in natural gas, which delivers power to nearly half the homes in the country, according to PBS.

“Identifying methane emissions at their source is a critical first step to tackling climate and health impacts and setting and enforcing robust rules of the road,” the release continued, “which is why the Administration is prioritizing the full use of the latest and most innovative technologies and tools available today.

The move is part of a ongoing effort by the Biden administration to reduce overall emissions in America, as part of its plans to combat climate change. 

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