A new report reveals that U.S. firms focused on cutting oil and gas pollution are thriving. The methane mitigation sector in Pennsylvania is driving job growth and economic progress, housing 51 businesses across the state.
Marcy Lowe, a principal at Datu Research, highlights how these companies assist oil and gas operators by providing tools to detect and manage methane leaks. Methane, a significant greenhouse gas found in natural gas, contributes greatly to climate change.
“These firms are crucial in addressing climate change by lowering methane emissions, which are more potent than carbon dioxide,” she explains.
The report shows a rapid rise in the methane mitigation workforce, with 268 companies operating in the U.S. in 2024, marking a 24% increase from 215 in 2021.
According to Lowe, this growth is changing the economic landscape, particularly around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Many of these jobs offer stability and good pay, especially in customer service roles.
“Companies report that these jobs provide opportunities for advancement, allowing workers to progress from entry-level positions to roles with more responsibility and higher salaries,” she adds.
Leading the way in technology, 55 companies focus on leak detection. In Pennsylvania, companies like Heath Consultants are at the forefront of innovation, developing new technologies and services. Nationwide, there’s a push to replace gas-powered devices with electric or solar options, which could significantly curb methane emissions.
There are growing efforts to pass legal immunity for pesticide companies across various state legislatures. In Idaho, research, including findings from the University of Idaho, suggests a link between these chemicals and increased cancer rates in both adults and children.
Irene Ruiz, director of the Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, argues that pesticide manufacturers are aware of the potential dangers of their products.
“Placing responsibility on small farmers or pesticide applicators is unfair. Companies should not escape liability for potential harm,” she insists.
A recent poll indicated that 90% of Idaho residents are against granting legal protections to pesticide firms. A bill introduced in 2024 to shield these companies from lawsuits failed in the Senate, as its sponsor argued that lawsuits create uncertainty for farmers.
However, Ruiz notes there is insufficient warning about the health risks associated with pesticides and questions how many people have fallen ill from them.
She adds, “Having been a farmworker, I understand the long-term health issues connected to pesticides have affected my friends and family too. We need more resources and research to comprehend the risks and improve safety.” In rural areas, pesticides also pose risks as chemicals can drift from fields to homes and schools.
A new report shows that the Shell petrochemical plant in Beaver County has not brought the expected economic growth since its announcement over a decade ago.
The Ohio River Valley Institute indicates that the plant has failed to generate promised economic benefits, leading to job losses and a decline in local economic performance.
Eric de Place, a research fellow at the institute, reports that since Shell’s announcement, Beaver County has seen a drop in population, jobs, and GDP.
“Instead of a boom, we’ve seen an economic downturn,” de Place noted. Residents were led to believe they would enjoy thousands of jobs and increased tax revenues after the state’s $1.6 billion subsidies to Shell.
While Shell claims to have created nearly 500 jobs, de Place argues that these numbers don’t reflect the overall economic impact. Despite a temporary spike in jobs during construction, lasting benefits have not been realized.
The plant produces nurdles, tiny plastic pellets essential for manufacturing various plastic products. It essentially converts fracked gas into raw materials for the plastics industry.
Environmentalists are critical of a bill from the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at reducing forest fires in New Mexico, urging Senators to vote against it.
The “Fix Our Forests Act” seeks to reform the National Environmental Policy Act. This law, in place for 55 years, ensures environmental checks and community input for major federal decisions, like logging.
Dan Ritzman, director of the Our Wild America campaign for the Sierra Club, argues that the bill would weaken essential environmental protections.
“We support scientific, responsible forest management practices, including prescribed burns to combat fire risks,” he explains.
In New Mexico, the utility company recently warned customers in fire-prone areas, stressing the need for preparedness as spring winds increase the risk of wildfires.
Senator Ed Markey emphasizes the need for more renewable energy to tackle climate change. He is concerned that current discussions are sidestepping critical issues in favor of agendas that don’t address climate needs.
With climate change impacts becoming more evident, the voices calling for action are growing louder. More community support and advocacy are needed to ensure sustainability efforts are prioritized.
