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American Gas Association February 4, 2025 The Honorable Lee M. Zeldin Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 Re: Congratulations and Request for Introductory Meeting Dear Administrator Zeldin: As President and CEO of the American Gas Association ("AGA"), I would like to congratulate you on your bipartisan confirmation and swearing-in as EPA Administrator. AGA and EPA have a long history of working together to achieve shared environmental objectives and leverage our collective expertise to design programs and initiatives to solve complex challenges. AGA represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to more 189 million Americans and 5.8 million businesses in all fifty states. There are more than 79 million residential, commercial, and industrial natural gas customers in the United States, of which 94 percent --more than 74 million customers--receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets more than one third of energy needs within the United States. Natural gas has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of America's economy and energy independence. AGA is an advocate for natural gas utility companies and their customers and provides a broad range of programs and services for member natural gas pipelines, marketers, gatherers, international natural gas companies, and industry associates. Our industry is committed to investing, building, and innovating for the families and businesses who depend on us every minute of every day -- a task that is inextricably connected to our members' commitment to protecting the environment. According to EPA's Greenhouse Gas Inventory, U.S. natural gas distribution segment methane emissions have decreased by 70 percent from 1990 to 2022 while the segment has grown in size: there were 1,352,384 miles of natural gas distribution mains in 2022 --an increase of 480,227 miles (55 percent) since 1990--and more than one new residential customer signs up for natural gas service every minute. On behalf of our members and staff, AGA looks forward to working with you and your team to advance our shared environmental and energy priorities. As such, I would like to request a meeting with you to introduce AGA and outline our top issues for the agency. If your staff has any questions, please have them contact Jennifer Baseman, AGA Senior Counsel for Environment, at j:Jaseman@aga.oip,. or 202-824-7340. I will follow up with your office to schedule our meeting. Sincerely, Karen Harbert President and Chief Executive Officer American Gas Association Cc: Eric Amidon, Chief of Staff Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_018475D_00000954-00001 SC_EVERSPLIT0007084