The Obama Administration today called for significant reductions in methane emissions in the U.S. as it rolled out a plan it said would benefit public health and the economy. The Obama Administration set a goal of reducing methane emissions by 40-45% of 2012 levels by 2025. Methane emissions accounted for nearly 10% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2012. Thirty percent of all methane emissions came from the production, transmission and distribution of oil and gas, the administration said.
The administration’s plan includes implementing new standards for methane and VOC emissions from new and modified oil and gas production sources, new pipeline safety standards, natural gas loss reduction efforts and enhanced leak detection and repair and emissions reporting.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has long argued that new methane emissions standards are unnecessary given the reductions the industry has achieved in recent years. In statement released today, API cited EPA data that showed methane emissions from fracking have fallen 73% since 2011. The White House acknowledged long-term reductions in methane emissions by the oil and gas sector but said they would rise without further action. The API said new requirements would slow down the industry’s progress.
“Onerous new regulations could threaten the shale energy revolution, America’s role as a global energy superpower and the dramatic reductions in CO2 emissions made possible by an abundant and affordable domestic supply of clean-burning natural gas,” said API President Jack Gerard.
