New York state officials on Wednesday finalized environmental rule changes meant to reduce the amount of methane and other emissions from oil and natural gas in the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced. 

The regulations, taken together, are aimed at having the state comply with a mandated change to cleaner and more renewable forms of energy in the coming decades in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

"As New York continues our ambitious and historic transition away from fossil fuels, we are committed to reducing emissions from oil and gas infrastructure that are contributing to climate change and impacting the public health of our communities,"  Hochul said. "The finalization of these rules will reduce leakage from New York's oil and natural gas facilities, and keeps our state at the forefront of climate action."

The development could reduce methane emissions by more than 14,000 metric tons a year. Volatile organic compound emissions would be reduced by more than 2,000 tons per year. 

"This announcement demonstrates how states can achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gases and help mitigate harmful impacts on public health and our natural resources," said Basil Seggos, the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. "DEC's dedicated staff are at the forefront of examining the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including the development of the requirements for fossil fuel infrastructure in the regulations finalized today."

The state has 32 permitted compressor stations that have 117 compressors and 27 underground natural gas storage sources. There are an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 metering stations.