USA’s COP 28 international commitments on fighting climate change

With the goal of restoring US global leadership in the fight against climate change, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Michael S. Regan said the Biden administration has launched the most aggressive climate agenda in the history of the country. During the announcement on Saturday, December 2, at the UN Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, of standards that seek to reduce methane pollution, he stated oil and gas operations are the largest industrial source of methane pollution in the United States.

The new rules developed by the agency will prevent an estimated 58 million tons of this gas emissions by 2038, almost equivalent to carbon dioxide emissions by the entire power sector in 2021. Mr. Regan considered these standards are one of the most innovative the EPA has ever produced and are expected to achieve 80% reduction in methane emissions compared to reductions without them, by 2028. The agency’s administrator put the spotlight on the health and economic benefits of the measures announced.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, in turn, commented on the methane rule which that state adopted earlier, and that they have seen the benefits of its application in local communities. She reported 70% reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas industry in New Mexico, as well as flaring and venting going down in the same percentage in the state. Expecting 98% reduction by 2026, virtually eliminating methane pollution by that industry. Mrs. Lujan applauded the federal program as a national standard, since it will mean neighboring states and companies operating there will have to adhere to the same rules. The governor was also optimistic on being able to beat the climate change timelines.

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Also present during the message was Ali Zaidi, National Climate Advisor to President Biden. He regarded President Biden as the most climate progressive president the nation has ever had, while recognizing the United States federal government’s ebb and flow in focus regarding climate change policies.

He also stressed the importance of the public investment the Biden administration has poured into attending the climate crisis and the US responsibility on the matter; underlining afterwards that the measure of success is not going to be the gloss of the green wash, but emission reductions. With these rules, they estimate 130 million metric tons of emissions reduction in 2030, which amounts to almost 2% of the countries’ annual emissions. Mr. Zaidi counted on that by applying these standards to companies across the United States, they would facilitate the rules to also be considered internationally by creating lower cots in the market for the technologies required.

Meanwhile, Fred Krupp, president of the NGO Environmental Defense Fund, mentioned some of the measures were just common sense to address. For example, checking for methane leaks periodically, preventing leaks that happen when flares from venting are extinguished and not immediately relit, or seals on compressors that aren’t replaced regularly.

Reporters who were present during the declaration questioned EPA’s administrator on why methane emissions had been easier to address with industry, as opposed to carbon dioxide. Also, Mr. Zaidi was asked about developing countries’ criticism on the United States climate efforts at home, while lagging on international climate finance and responsibilities, like the Loss and Damage Fund. Both government officials referenced this government’s leadership as key to achieving international goals and commitments, while announcing more initiatives to come addressing these issues.

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