Tackling Methane Emissions

Reducing methane emissions is a priority for our industry to address the risks of climate change. Thanks to innovation and industry actions, average methane emissions intensity declined by nearly 60 percent across all seven major producing regions from 2011 to 2020, even as America produces more affordable, reliable and cleaner natural gas. 

Building on the progress industry has made in driving down emissions, API supports cost-effective policies and direct regulation that achieve methane emission reductions from new and existing sources across the supply chain. Additionally, the natural gas and oil industry remains committed to the development and deployment of new technologies and practices through industry initiatives, like The Environmental Partnership, to better understand, detect, and mitigate emissions.

Industry Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions

According to the EPA, from 1990 to 2018, methane emissions associated with natural gas and oil production declined by 23%. However, we know we have more work to do.

Launched in 2017, The Environmental Partnership represents more than 70% of total U.S. onshore natural gas and oil production, with companies large and small focused on driving innovation, sharing best practices across the industry and reducing methane emissions in every major U.S. basin. From leak detection and repair programs and innovative solutions to enhance monitoring to collaboration with leading research institutions and a new initiative to reduce flaring – The Environmental Partnership continues to lead the way toward a cleaner future.