There are many benefits to capping leaking methane wells. One unexpected one is that it is a way to foil a reactionary Supreme Court that opposes common-sense ways to stop climate change.
The Supreme Court ruled last week to limit EPA’s ability to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. Scientific American* called the ruling “a serious blow to the EPA’s ability to fight climate change” and said it could have “dangerous repercussions” beyond the case in question (West Virginia et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency et al.)
“The timing of the decision feels especially harsh,” wrote Scientific American, “as the nation is in the throes of the “Danger Season” for hazards like heat waves, drought, wildfires and hurricanes,” all of which are worse due to the climate crisis.
With this one ruling, the Supreme Court showed why capping leaking methane wells to help stop climate change is so important.
First, capping wells is beyond the reach of the Court. Even if things go off the rails politically more than they already have, it is hard to imagine anyone claiming that plugging an abandoned well is unconstitutional. The wells being plugged for the most part are on private land and are being plugged with the support of the landowner. No one else would have standing to sue to stop the plug.
Second, capping leaking wells has the support of EPA and the Biden Administration. While the Supreme Court decision prevents EPA from taking important steps to reduce carbon emissions, it has no impact whatsoever on EPA’s support for well capping.
Don’t Miss: Cap a Leaking Well to Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Third, capping a leaking well can happen anywhere and everywhere a well exists. With your help, we’re capping one in Pennsylvania. Methane wells are leaking in 31 states. Yes, there are coal-fired power plants in all of these states, too. But while EPA is now restricted from getting those plants to reduce their emissions, the Well Done Foundation can carry on. In state after state, Well Done can cap well after well.
What else the Supreme Court will do to try to block measures to stop climate change is anyone’s guess. But whatever they do won’t stop the Well Done Foundation!
Really, the only thing that might stop Well Done is lack of funds. To the 45+ of you who have already contributed, thanks so much.
To those of you still thinking about it, please know we still need your help.
We’ve zeroed in on a well to cap in Pennsylvania but are only half-way to our fundraising goal. Your tax-deductible contribution will help put us over the top.
Here’s the link to my Donor Page, where it’s fast and easy to donate online.
Thanks.
*Scientific American analysis of Supreme Court’s climate change decision
