A new study highlights the significant underreporting of methane emissions by the oil and gas industry, revealing emissions approximately three times higher than Environmental Protection Agency figures.
In short:
- Researchers used aerial and ground measurements to uncover that the oil and gas sector's methane emissions are nearly triple the EPA's estimates.
- The variance in emissions across regions points to infrastructure and market dynamics influencing leakage rates.
- The study's findings support the push for tighter methane regulations, amidst legal challenges and global commitments to reduce climate impact.
Key quote:
"Emissions of methane from fossil fuel operations remain unacceptably high."
— Tim Gould, chief economist at the International Energy Agency
Why this matters:
Methane's potent climate impact makes these findings a wake-up call. Leaks from oil and gas infrastructure are particularly problematic, as methane can escape from thousands of points along the production chain, from wells to pipelines to storage facilities.
