Most natural gas gathering and processing facilities have low methane emissions, according to a new study by Colorado State University. Of the 130 facilities examined, 101 had methane loss rates below 1%. The Obama Administration recently unveiled a plan to reduce methane emissions by at least 40% of 2012 levels by 2025.
Commenting on the study, the American Petroleum Institute (API) said the administration’s proposed regulations would interfere with the industry’s progress in reducing emissions.
“The industry has every incentive to reduce emissions and sell more natural gas to consumers,” said API Senior Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman. “We’re making remarkable progress reducing emissions, and this progress will continue as operators detect and seal leaks — including leaks from the few high emitting sites identified in the study.”
The Colorado State University study examined 114 natural gas gathering facilities and 16 processing plants in 13 states.
