It is obvious that our air is toxic when we see ugly brown smog obscuring our mountains, but there is an invisible and deadlier air pollutant we breathe every day.
Invisible methane, eighty times more toxic than gasoline or diesel exhaust, is destroying our health. As the main component of natural gas, its devastation has long been ignored or, worse, covered up.
University of Utah research reveals that pipelines and platforms in Utah are leaking methane at a higher rate than other states. Even when properly burned, natural gas creates pollution, but when it leaks directly into the atmosphere, the results are disastrous. Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gasses, and when it breaks down in the atmosphere, it creates lethal air pollutants, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and ozone.
Gas companies reassured us for decades that leakage was minimal, but the university’s research shows that approximately 7% of the Uintah Basin’s methane leaks into the atmosphere. Besides a colossal waste of resources, this produces as much pollution as all of Utah’s cars and trucks combined. Recent vehicle emissions controls have improved air quality even during robust economic growth. But failure to monitor and repair methane leaks still causes thousands of us to suffer from the debilitating effects of cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological diseases.
As we face the triple threat of energy insecurity, pollution, and climate change, why should we waste natural gas and pollute our air at the same time? The United States has joined 150 nations in signing the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions 30% by 2030. As citizens of this uniquely beautiful state, it is our responsibility to hold industry and government accountable.
Call your congressional or Utah representative and ask what he or she is doing to support the enforcement of the methane pledge.
Giles Florence, Salt Lake City
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