WASHINGTON, DC (July 23, 2015) – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program, a voluntary partnership that will encourage energy companies to adopt technologies and best practices to improve efficiency and reduce emissions of methane. BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Kim Glas released the following statement on the announcement:

“The Natural Gas STAR program could help industry improve their operations by reducing methane pollution—and companies and utilities should step up. Some already are, but many more need to act because keeping natural gas in the system reduces waste, saves money, and is better for our climate and air.

“While this voluntary program is a step forward, strong EPA standards are where we’ll see real progress in achieving the goal of up to 45 percent reduction in methane pollution by 2025 established by the president earlier this year. We will continue the push for a strong national standard, which can be cost effective, help move the U.S. to a clean energy economy, and create safer, healthier workplaces and communities.”