{"id":18060,"date":"2018-06-28T12:27:55","date_gmt":"2018-06-28T16:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=18060"},"modified":"2018-06-28T13:28:27","modified_gmt":"2018-06-28T17:28:27","slug":"bipartisan-western-governors-agree-methane-reductions-benefit-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2018\/06\/28\/bipartisan-western-governors-agree-methane-reductions-benefit-states\/","title":{"rendered":"Bipartisan western governors agree methane reductions benefit states"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Yesterday the Western Governors Association, a bipartisan organization representing the Governors of the 19 western states, announced a policy resolution<\/a> recognizing the importance and economic benefits of efforts to cut methane pollution<\/a> from oil and gas facilities \u2013 the nation\u2019s largest industrial source of methane.<\/p>\n

The resolution states:<\/p>\n

There are environmental and economic benefits of reducing methane emissions and opportunities for the beneficial use of this natural resource. Many western states \u2013 in cooperation with industry in those states \u2013 have already implemented regulatory strategies that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations, while expanding the use and sale of methane.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that oil and gas facilities emit along with other chemicals that deteriorate air quality and threaten public health. It is also the main ingredient of natural gas, so capturing more methane means companies can sell more gas. Methane reduction targets, therefore, protect the environment and benefit the economy. It is a critical reason why decision makers in the both the public and private sector are prioritizing methane reductions.<\/p>\n

The resolution is far from perfect. It tries too hard to excuse western smog problems because of some issues with background ozone pollution and international transport. It also fails to recognize the many opportunities for cost-effective local pollution reductions and the importance of the national power plant standards that are under attack.<\/p>\n

Western states have long been at the forefront of the methane conversation. In 2014, Colorado, under Governor Hickenlooper, became the first state in the nation to require companies to control their emissions. In 2015 Wyoming, under Governor Mead, also made strides to strengthen oil and gas rules to improve their state\u2019s air quality. Since then, more and more companies and governments have followed suit. Most recently, California and Pennsylvania \u2013 both leading consumer and producers of natural gas \u2013 started requiring companies to reduce emissions, while other forward thinking companies like BP<\/a>, Exxon<\/a> and Shell<\/a>, have also each recently agreed to set their own methane reduction targets.<\/p>\n

State-led action when it matters most<\/strong><\/p>\n

The states represented by the WGA produce about two-thirds of the nation\u2019s oil and gas, but what\u2019s noteworthy about this recognition is not only it\u2019s bipartisan nature, but also the significance of its timing.<\/p>\n

Last week, a group of 24 scientists from 16 research organizations published a groundbreaking study in the journal Science<\/em><\/a> that quantifies the total volume of methane leaking from the oil and gas industry.\u00a0 The study determined U.S. oil and gas companies emitted over 13 million tons of methane into the atmosphere in 2015 alone. That\u2019s 60% more methane than government estimates suggest, and represents $2 billion worth of gas that could\u2019ve served the needs of more than 10 million homes.<\/p>\n

The study confirms our nation\u2019s energy infrastructure has a massive leakage problem, yet EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke are both attempting to rollback our nation\u2019s existing methane standards. By highlighting the importance of methane reduction policies \u2013 the WGA resolution should be a clear signal that the administration is severely out of step with what the vast majority<\/a> of westerners believe is best for their communities and their economies.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s extremely promising to see this bi-partisan group of leaders recognize the value in reducing methane. But what happens next will be equally as crucial.<\/p>\n

Some western states have already made impressive strides to reduce oil and gas emissions, all without disrupting the local energy economy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Other major energy producers have been less productive.\u00a0 For example:<\/p>\n