Introduction
In a move that environmental advocates call a major setback, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released guidance allowing oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring past a previously set deadline. Routine flaring—the burning of natural gas during oil extraction—releases climate-warming methane and other pollutants, despite being identified as one of the most immediate and cost-effective sources of emission reductions to address. If you are concerned about this policy and want to make your voice heard, this guide will help you understand the issue and take effective action. By following these steps, you can join the growing movement to end routine flaring and push for stronger climate protections.
What You Need
- Reliable internet connection – for research, contacting officials, and sharing information.
- Email account – to send messages to elected representatives or agencies.
- Phone or video conferencing tools – for attending virtual town halls or calling offices.
- Social media accounts – to amplify the message (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
- List of key contacts – your local, state, and federal representatives; EPA administrators; and environmental groups active on this issue.
- Basic fact sheet about flaring – you can find this from organizations like CleanTechnica, Earthjustice, or the Environmental Defense Fund.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the EPA’s Guidance and Its Implications
Before taking action, you need a clear grasp of the facts. The EPA’s guidance effectively allows oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring beyond the deadline that was set to phase it out. “Routine flaring” refers to the burning of natural gas during oil extraction—often when there is no infrastructure to capture it. This practice emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, along with hazardous air pollutants. According to experts, ending routine flaring is “one of the most immediate and cost-effective steps” to reduce emissions. The new guidance undermines progress toward climate goals.
- Read the original CleanTechnica article for the full story.
- Check official EPA documents and press releases for the exact wording.
- Review research from groups like the International Energy Agency (IEA) on flaring reduction opportunities.
Step 2: Identify Who Has Power Over This Decision
To influence policy, you must target the right decision-makers. Key players include:
- Your U.S. Senators and Representative – they can pressure the EPA or introduce legislation.
- The EPA Administrator – currently Michael Regan (as of 2025).
- State regulatory agencies – oil and gas oversight often happens at the state level.
- Local elected officials – city councils or county commissioners in extraction areas.
Find your federal representatives using House.gov or Senate.gov. For state agencies, search “[your state] oil and gas commission”.
Step 3: Craft Your Message
An effective message is concise, factual, and personal. Key points to include:
- Mention that routine flaring releases methane, which is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years.
- Cite the EPA’s own earlier position that ending flaring is cost-effective.
- Explain the health impacts of air pollutants from flaring (e.g., asthma, cancer risks).
- State your request clearly: rescind the guidance, enforce the original deadline, and prioritize methane capture.
Example opening: “I am writing to express deep concern about the EPA’s recent guidance allowing continued routine flaring. This decision contradicts the agency’s own findings and harms our climate and health. I urge you to reverse this policy and hold operators accountable.”
Step 4: Choose Your Advocacy Channels
Different methods reach different audiences. Use a mix:
- Email or online forms – quick and trackable. Many congressional offices have contact forms.
- Phone calls – more personal. Call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask for your representative’s office.
- Social media – tag officials and use hashtags like #EndRoutineFlaring.
- Petitions – start or sign one on Change.org or through environmental groups.
- Letters to the editor – local newspapers often publish opinions on environmental issues.
Step 5: Join Forces with Advocacy Organizations
Your individual effort is stronger when coordinated with others. Organizations actively fighting flaring include:
- CleanTechnica – provides news and analysis.
- Earthjustice – legal advocacy for environmental protections.
- Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) – runs targeted campaigns on methane.
- Sierra Club – community organizing.
Sign up for their alerts, attend virtual rallies, and share their content. Many offer ready-made scripts for contacting officials.
Step 6: Follow Up and Keep Pressure On
Policy change takes time. After your initial outreach:
- Monitor the EPA’s docket for updates on the guidance.
- Send follow-up messages referencing your previous contact.
- Encourage friends and family to also contact officials.
- Attend public hearings or town halls—many are virtual and open to all.
- Support lawsuits if legal challenges are filed by advocacy groups.
Tips for Success
- Be polite but firm. Decision-makers respond better to respectful messaging.
- Use personal stories. If you live near oil and gas operations, mention any health or environmental issues you’ve observed.
- Share your actions on social media to inspire others and create a visible movement.
- Focus on the economics. Emphasize that capturing methane can generate revenue and jobs, while flaring wastes resources.
- Stay informed. Follow newsletters from groups like CleanTechnica and the HFC Coalition for updates.
- Celebrate small wins. Even if the policy doesn’t change immediately, increased public pressure lays groundwork for future action.
By taking these steps, you become part of the solution. Routine flaring is not inevitable—it can be stopped with enough public demand and political will. Start today.