Joseph Goffman, the associate assistant administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Regulation, said that he expects new federal standards for methane emissions will succeed in cutting down on the potent greenhouse gas, The Hill reports.  

Goffman noted the agency’s new methane standards, combined with expanded voluntary programs, will help the natural gas industry reduce its methane emissions: “If we develop a meaningful expansion of our voluntary programs, we will see industry succeed, both in achieving its voluntary commitments and achieving its legal obligations, while continuing to thrive economically.”  

He added: “That’s the definition of success, as far as we’re concerned.”