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.
