Saskatchewan faces high methane leakage but could get exemptions from new rules
One-fifth of methane from Saskatchewan's oil and gas production escapes into the atmosphere, yet the province could be exempt from stricter federal methane capture regulations due to a potential equivalency agreement.
Carl Meyer reports for The Narwhal.
In short:
- Saskatchewan's oil and gas industry loses 19% of its methane, compared to lower rates in Alberta and British Columbia.
- Despite this, the federal government is considering allowing Saskatchewan to self-regulate under rules similar to national standards.
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction is a key goal in Canada's plan to cut emissions by 2030.
Key quote:
“It’s important for Alberta and Saskatchewan to keep moving on methane, because Alberta is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter in Canada, and Saskatchewan has this enormous methane loss rate, as shown by this study.”
— Amanda Bryant, a senior analyst with the Pembina Institute’s oil and gas program
Why this matters:
Methane is a powerful contributor to climate change, and the high leakage rate in Saskatchewan poses a serious environmental challenge. Reducing methane emissions is critical to slowing global warming and avoiding more severe climate impacts.
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