Methane Activists in Richmond Detect Potentially Dangerous Gas Leaks
Methane activists in Richmond, Virginia, are sounding the alarm over potentially dangerous gas leaks from the city’s gas works. According to a report by Beyond Methane RVA, a local environmental group, ratepayers had to pay $16 million in 2022 for lost gas from Richmond Gas Works due to leaks. The report also revealed that lower-income communities, who rely on Richmond Gas Works the most, will struggle the most financially to pay for the gas leaks.
Richmond Gas Works’ Leak Problem
The leaks from Richmond Gas Works are getting worse. In January 2022, the system leaked 14% of all its gas into the atmosphere, the highest leak rate ever recorded by the utility in a month. The leaks are not only a financial burden on the community but also a potential danger to public health and the environment. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term, making it a significant contributor to climate change.
The Urgent Need to Address Methane Leaks
Methane leaks are a growing concern across the country, with the EPA estimating that nearly 500 more landfills could cost-effectively have their methane collected for energy production. Gas leakage of more than 3% makes the fuel worse for the climate than coal, according to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences. With the urgent need to address climate change, we must take action to reduce methane leaks and invest in renewable energy sources.
Methane activists in Richmond are calling on the city and the state to take action to address the gas leaks from Richmond Gas Works. The community cannot afford to continue paying for lost gas and potential health and environmental hazards. It is time for Richmond to invest in renewable energy sources and take action to reduce methane leaks to protect the community and the planet.
