Methane

An oil pumpjack works in the Permian Basin oil field on March 12, 2022 in Stanton, Texas. United States President Joe Biden imposed a ban on Russian oil, the world’s third-largest oil producer, which may mean that oil producers in the Permian Basin will need to pump more oil to meet demand. The Permian Basin is the largest petroleum-producing basin in the United States.

New report finds methane mitigation in Texas could create thousands of jobs

Texas officials have vowed to oppose federal regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations. But the report says plugging leaks and upgrading wells is poised to be a big business in the Lone Star State.

Methane, the main component of natural gas, is also a byproduct of oil drilling.

Energy & Environment

Research shows oil field flaring emits nearly five times more methane than expected

Laura Benshoff

Scientists took a dozen research flights over major U.S. oil and gas fields to sample flare emissions. They found more methane than was supposed to be there.

Pump jacks work in a field near Lovington, N.M., in 2015. The Trump administration is lifting an Obama-era rule aimed at limiting emissions of methane, a potent climate-warming gas.

Trump's Methane Rollback That Big Oil Doesn't Want

Jeff Brady

The rule ends Obama-era restrictions on emissions of methane, a potent climate-warming gas. The move could make it harder to argue that natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel than coal.

Energy & Environment

Map Shows How Your Community Could Be Affected By Weakened Methane Emission Rules

Mose Buchele

When the Trump administration announced plans to roll back Obama-era rules limiting methane emissions from oil and gas operations, even some in industry…

Energy & Environment

Even Some In the Industry Oppose Trump Administration's Plan To Roll Back Methane Rules

Mose Buchele

In Washington, D.C., on Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans for a major rollback of rules aimed at reducing methane emissions…

Energy & Environment

More Methane Could Be Leaking From Oil And Gas Fields Than The Government Thinks

Mose Buchele

The oil and gas industry is releasing 60 percent more methane than the Environmental Protection Agency currently estimates, according to a study published…

Pump jacks and a gas flare are seen near Williston, N.D., in 2016.

Appeals Court Says EPA Can't Keep Delaying Obama-Era Methane Rules

Camila Domonoske

The U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. notes the EPA can choose to rewrite a rule designed to prevent leaks from natural gas facilities. But it can't just put it off for two years, the judges decided.