Obama Admininistration May Force Drillers to Cut Methane Leaks, EPA Chief Says

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering rules that would force oil and gas producers to cut methane emissions, its chief said, stepping up efforts to curb the most potent greenhouse gas linked to climate change.

Gina McCarthy, the EPA administrator, told investors at a New York forum Thursday that the agency will decide this year whether to issue regulations mandating emission cuts, or to rely only on voluntary steps.

"We are looking at what are the most cost-effective regulatory and-or voluntary efforts that can take a chunk out of methane in the system," McCarthy said.  "It's not just for climate, but for air quality" reasons, she said.

Obama Admininistration May Force Drillers to Cut Methane Leaks, EPA Chief Says