Poll: Majority of voters back regulating methane emissions

A majority of voters in the U.S. support administration action to regulate methane emissions, according to a new poll.

The survey, conducted for the American Lung Association, found 63 percent of registered voters back standards for methane emissions.

{mosads}The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering whether to propose regulations to curb methane emissions from fracking and industrial sources for the first time.

The agency has said it will make its decision by the end of this year, but EPA chief Gina McCarthy has hinted the EPA might not find regulations are necessary since other regulations that already curb greenhouse gases might be enough to curb methane.

Millennials are strong supporters of regulating methane, the poll states, with 81 percent backing it.

“It is clear that the public supports stronger public health safeguards for the air we breathe,” said Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association.

“Cutting methane and toxic air pollutants like benzene is a winner with the American people. We urge the Environmental Protection Agency to act now,” Wimmer added.

The poll also found that roughly three-quarters of voters believe the government can protect air quality and boost the economy at the same time.

Additionally, three-quarters of voters think the EPA, not Congress, should be setting pollution standards.

Opponents of an EPA proposal to regulate methane argue the industry curbs emissions effectively and is continually updating its technology to better cut emissions.