Texas Making Strides in Methane Emissions and Flaring Reduction

February 17, 2020

It’s a well-known fact that the United States has edged ahead as the leading producer of oil and natural gas due to the proliferation of fracking. This success has borne record oil and natural gas production and a sharp decline in America’s reliance on imports of foreign oil.

As production increased, companies bolstered their sustainability and environmental protection practices, specifically in relation to reducing methane emissions. Nationwide, methane emissions from oil and natural gas production declined by nearly 800,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent from 2016 to 2018. That is the equivalent of taking nearly 170,000 cars off the road.

Between 2011 and 2018, methane emissions intensity in the Permian Basin declined by 63.8 percent, while oil and gas production from the Permian increased by 211.5 percent. In the Permian Basin the amount of natural gas vented or flared in 2018 represents only 1.26 percent of all natural gas produced that same year. In fact, between 2011 and 2018, methane emissions intensity in the Permian Basin declined by 63.8 percent, while oil and gas production from the Permian increased by 211.5 percent.

This industry is working to ensure that natural gas achieves long term sustainability and remains competitive in a low carbon economy; this article illustrates ways that is happening in the Permian. To read more, and to see the corresponding graphics and animations, please visit the Texans for Natural Gas website.