On Friday, October 4th, 2024 the Supreme Court denied requests from industry groups and states to halt the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 111 Methane Rule, Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, and block new limits on methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas infrastructure. The challengers asked the justices to step in after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously declined to stay the rule in July as it considers the legality of the regulation. While state applicants focused on blocking the EPA's methane standards for a wide swath of existing oil and gas infrastructure, industry applicants challenged the implementation of standards for both new and existing sources.

In response to this decision, EEN President & CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman issued the following statement: 

“Mercury pollution and toxic emissions associated with methane leaks pose serious health threats, especially to our children both born and unborn and to families and households living near oil and gas infrastructure. As Evangelicals committed to defending the sanctity of life, we are grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision to put the health and lives of vulnerable Americans first as the judicial process plays out. We will continue to work to ensure these critical safeguards are fully implemented across the country so that every child can reach their God-given potential in a healthy, pollution-free world.”