Ohio at Forefront of Air Emissions Reduction
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new report commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund Report identifies Ohio as a leader in reducing air emissions and creating jobs. The report, produced by Datu Research, shows that tackling mnethane emissions not only produces cleaner air, but creates high-quality jobs in a growing domestic manufacturing and service sector.
"The oil and gas industry is growing every day in our state, creating thousands of jobs for Ohioans," said Craig W. Butler, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. "This report illustrates Ohio is at the forefront nationally, creating jobs and protecting the environment while reducing emissions from this new industry."
The report identified 76 companies nationwide -- more than half small businesses -- that manufacture methane controls or offer related services from more than 500 different locations across 46 states. Ten states had the highest concentration of facilities: Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, California, Wyoming, Illinois, Ohio and New Mexico. These states stand to gain the most from future growth associated with this industry, the report stated.
Many companies have effectively developed technologies and services that capture these emissions from oil and gas systems, according to the report. Increased use of these available solutions can create new, well-paying American jobs for skilled workers, save industry over $1 billion in lost product and reduce air pollution. The burgeoning industry is also helping to revitalize manufacturing in states such as Texas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
“This report clearly shows an industry that has the capability to help reduce methane emissions and, with the right policies in place, also has the room to grow,” said Mark Brownstein, associate vice president and chief counsel for Environmental Defense Fund. “These companies offer opportunities for the oil and gas industry to increase operational efficiencies, improve public and worker safety and reduce air and methane pollution. It’s a win-win proposition made even better, when you consider that this industry can support more good-paying U.S. jobs that largely can’t be outsourced.”
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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