US EPA proposes voluntary measures for reducing methane emissions by oil and gas firms

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program for the oil and gas companies, asking the companies take voluntary measures to cut methane gas emission.

The programme will require the firms to fix reduction targets every year and data accordingly.

The initiative is line with the agency’s efforts to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, reports Reuters.

It builds on an existing programme, which has been in place since 1993, but includes less transparent tracking process and does not require the companies to make such specific pledges.

US government had mentioned in January about its intention to bring down oil and gas industry methane emissions by up to 45% from the 2012 levels within 2025. The target is expected to be fulfilled through a mix of both regulatory and voluntary measures.

EPA is likely to propose regulations for methane emission cuts later this year.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has announced to extend cooperation to EPA in the voluntary programme, but cautioned that it is duplicate regulation saying existing rules cover methane emission.

API Regulatory and Scientific Affairs senior director Howard Feldman said: "Even as oil and natural gas production has risen dramatically, methane emissions have fallen, thanks to industry leadership and investment in new technologies.

"Methane is the primary component of natural gas, and emissions will continue to fall as operators innovate and find new ways to capture and deliver more of it to meet consumer demands.

"Industry is already incentivized to best determine how to cost-effectively reduce emissions and will consider participation in a voluntary programme provided it has the necessary flexibility and incentives."

American Natural Gas Alliance president and CEO Marty Durbin said: "We will be reviewing the details of the proposed Natural Gas Star programme in the days ahead to see how the programme would work in tandem with existing and upcoming regulations.

"We have always said that the best way to achieve reductions in methane is through collaborative measures. The fact that we have cut methane emissions from production activities by 38 percent since 2005 while increasing production by 35 percent bears that out.

"By contrast, it is clear that direct regulation will lead to regulatory uncertainty and fewer reductions over a longer period of time."