**Watch the full Committee markup HERE**

**Watch Rep. Kuster’s full remarks HERE**

Concord, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, participated in a full Committee markup of six bills, including the Kuster-backed Methane Waste Prevention Act. This bill would help improve air quality across the United States by requiring the EPA and Bureau of Land Management to set standards to curb harmful methane emissions.

Methane accounts for about 10% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions but is 80 times more powerful in warming our atmosphere in the short term compared to carbon dioxide. Research undertaken by the Environmental Defense Fund found that the U.S. oil and gas industry emitted over 13 million metric tons of methane each year — which is enough natural gas to fuel 10 million homes. 

“Reducing the methane emissions of domestic oil and gas producers is one of the single most important actions that Congress can take to combat the climate crisis,” said Rep. Kuster. “The Methane Waste Prevention Act in front of the Committee today does just that – by requiring the EPA and Bureau of Land Management to set strict standards that will clamp down on harmful emissions and improve air quality conditions for Americans.”

“New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country,” Rep. Kuster continued. “Today’s markup moves us one step closer to cleaning up our air and protecting the health of all Americans. I was pleased to help introduce this legislation with my colleagues on this committee to take a firm stance in tackling our climate crisis and restoring American global leadership in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill to protect our planet and help save lives.” 

A member of the House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee and House Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, Kuster is a leader in Congress in the effort to combat climate change, preserve the environment, and create the clean energy economy of the future. Earlier this week, Kuster visited a site along the Merrimack River to discuss a recently awarded $6.8 million USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grant to protect source water, revitalize wildlife habitats, and boost climate resilience within the Merrimack River watershed.

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