Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Environmentalists say proposed state rules are too lenient, industry says they're too costly. But they might bring new technology and jobs to the state.
Emissions from the nation’s oil and gas industry are nearly 60 percent higher than EPA estimates. That's bad for the climate because methane is 86 times more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Range Resources is building a shale gas well along a ridge a few hundred feet from the popular trail. A pipeline right-of-way, about 50 feet wide, has been cut through a wooded section that hikers will see as they pass by.