EPA highlights decline in methane emissions

As operators capture and deliver more natural gas to consumers, a new EPA report shows continued decline in methane emissions from natural gas production.

“The latest inventory shows that U.S. producers continue to make dramatic improvements, with net methane emissions from natural gas production falling 38% since 2005,” said Howard J. Feldman, API senior director of regulatory and scientific affairs. “These voluntary efforts will continue, as operators work to capture more gas and deliver it to consumers. Another layer of burdensome regulations will only interfere with that progress.”

The EPA also reported that methane emissions from hydraulically fractured natural gas wells are down 79% since 2005. Total methane emissions from natural gas systems are down 11% since 2005.

“Responsible production and use of natural gas is a major reason why U.S. carbon emissions are near a 20-year low,” said Feldman. “We should harness this opportunity to build on that momentum and even export natural gas to our allies, creating more jobs and energy security here at home.”

Adapted from press release by Joseph Green

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/17042015/epa-decline-methane-emissions-808/