American Petroleum Institute (API) Vice President of Regulatory and Economic Policy Kyle Isakower voiced shale-industry concerns late last week over President Obama's plan for new methane regulations, even though emissions are decreasing.
Isakower said shale exploration has saved consumers $700 a year on gasoline and $1,200 on utility bills, and that America already is a leader in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through new technology.
"Additional regulations on methane by the administration could discourage the shale energy revolution that has helped America lead the world in reducing emissions while significantly lowering the costs of energy to consumers," Isakower said. "The administration is catering to environmental extremists at the expense of American consumers.”
Isakower said such regulations could actually harm the environment.
“Let's not forget that the safe and responsible development of energy from shale has helped the U.S. cut CO2 emissions to near 20-year lows," Isakower said. "The last thing we need is more duplicative and costly regulations that could increase the cost of energy for Americans, and that could potentially drive up greenhouse gas emissions.”
Alerts Sign-up