Data collected by PSE Healthy Energy, an independent energy and climate research institute, shows where methane emissions have hit particularly high levels over the years across the country.

The states with some of the highest reported incidents of methane emissions included Texas, New Mexico, Utah and California.

PSE Healthy Energy cited oil and gas infrastructure as the cause of the high releases of methane and other pollutants—such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and hexane—in these areas.

"These pollutants can pose serious risks to the respiratory, reproductive, and nervous systems," the institute said.

Newsweek has contacted PSE Healthy Energy for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The findings highlight growing concern about air pollution and quality —particularly i

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