With temperatures over 100 degrees during the recent heat wave, Philadelphians were left tired, sweaty and uncomfortable. Hot weather also makes it harder to breathe, not only because of the heat and humidity, but also due to air pollution.

That’s because hotter temperatures accelerate the creation of smog, making air pollution even worse.

This is an issue that affects all of us. We all know a family member or friend who suffers from asthma. If you have asthma, you know the feeling: you walk outside and within a few minutes feel yourself struggling to catch your breath and wheezing as air tries to release through your swollen airway. It’s a horrible feeling and makes it harder to enjoy being outside. 

Philly kids are particularly vulnerable. According to the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health, 21% of children in the city have asthma. That’s more than triple the national rate. 

Whether through extreme weather or heightened air pollution, climate change is among the most pressing challenges of our day. Pennsylvanians know this and are looking for solutions to climate change that will protect our environment and health.

Fortunately, everyday Pennsylvanians have the opportunity right now to help reduce one of the most potent global warming pollutants: harmful methane pollution. Methane is about 86 times more potent of a global warming gas than carbon dioxide, making the planet warmer. Nearly one quarter of this methane pollution is released during fracking and drilling for oil and gas.

These sources of methane pollution also emit other harmful air toxins alongside methane that can cause respiratory issues and even cancer. 

We must reduce how much methane we create and emit, particularly in Pennsylvania, where we’re the second-highest fracked-gas-producing state in the nation. Thankfully, Governor Shapiro’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) put forth a plan to reduce this harmful pollution, and they’re asking the public to weigh in on this proposal before July 30.

We urge DEP to implement the strongest possible methane protections in to keep Pennsylvanians healthy and protect our climate. 

We hope anyone who wants to tackle climate change and wants cleaner air will also make their voice heard before July 30. Email comments to ecomment@pa.gov or take action at bit.ly/MethaneProtections.

As the federal government pulls back environmental regulations, it is vital that the state steps up and protects our right to clean and healthy air.

Darisha Parker represents the 198th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Her district includes parts of Wards 10, 12, 13, 49 and 61 in Philadelphia.

Flora Cardoni is the Deputy Director of PennEnvironment.