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Industry leadership and existing regulations cause methane emissions to drop substantially, API says


Carlton Carroll | carrollc@api.org | 202.682.8114


WASHINGTON, September 30, 2014 – Industry is substantially reducing methane emissions from oil and natural gas production and is expected to continue reducing emissions, according to an EPA report released Tuesday. API Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman said U.S. oil and natural gas companies are leading the charge to reduce emissions by making investments in new technology developed by the industry.

“We’re proud to see our industry’s efforts demonstrated in EPA data that show emissions are far lower than EPA projected just a few years ago, even as U.S. production has surged,” Feldman said. “Creating good paying jobs and growing the economy go hand in hand with our efforts to reduce emissions both voluntarily and in compliance with EPA emissions standards that take effect in January.”

According to EPA, reported methane emissions from the petroleum and natural gas systems sector have decreased by 12 percent since 2011, with the largest reductions coming from hydraulically fractured natural gas wells, which have decreased by 73 percent during that period.

“Thanks in large part to innovations like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, America is leading the world in producing natural gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Feldman said. “Industry will continue to be a leader in environmental stewardship as it maintains our country’s leadership position as the top producer of natural gas.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 20 million Americans.
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