A group of oil pumps sitting in a field.

Oil companies report reduced methane leaks in West Texas, but experts urge caution

Methane emissions from oil and gas operations in West Texas fell by 25% in 2023, according to an industry-backed report, though environmentalists question the data's scope and accuracy.

Carlos Nogueras Ramos reports for The Texas Tribune.


In short:

  • A report by S&P Global claims methane leaks from oil wells and equipment in West Texas dropped by 25% in 2023, focusing on the upstream phase of production.
  • Environmentalists argue the findings exclude smaller emissions and may underestimate total methane pollution, which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
  • Regulators and companies use various tools like satellites, aerial sensors and handheld devices to track emissions, but inconsistencies in reporting and enforcement remain a challenge.

Key quote:

"Regardless of cost-effectiveness, the public is harmed when scarce natural resources are wasted or when methane warms the climate."

— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift, an oil and gas watchdog group

Why this matters:

Methane is a significant contributor to climate change, and reducing leaks is essential to slowing global warming. While industry efforts to cut emissions are promising, inconsistent regulation and gaps in monitoring mean the true scale of methane pollution may be underestimated.

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China ramps up solar and wind power as clean energy output shatters global records

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Soledad Domínguez reports for Mongabay.

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New technologies promise to transform farming, but most haven’t delivered yet

Scientists and entrepreneurs are racing to reinvent agriculture to feed a booming population and fight climate change, but their high-tech solutions keep falling short.

Elizabeth Kolbert reports for The New Yorker.

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New rules to protect U.S. workers from extreme heat face political delays

As dangerous heat grips much of the country, a Biden-era plan to shield outdoor workers from heat illness is stalling under the Trump administration.

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California struggles to electrify trucks as Trump administration blocks state rules

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Benton Graham reports for Grist.

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Credit: 1photo/BigStock Photo ID: 18776198

The hidden cost of powering your phone might be someone else’s cancer

As the world races to secure rare earth elements for tech and defense, residents of Baotou, China bear the brunt of toxic pollution and displacement.

Amy Hawkins reports for The Guardian.

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Toxic mine runoff cleanup revives West Virginia waterways and extracts rare earth elements

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