The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have unveiled a substantial $850 million federal funding initiative to address methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors. These funds will support projects focused on monitoring, measuring, quantifying, and reducing methane emissions.
The funding, allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act, will play a crucial role in several key areas. Firstly, it will help mitigate legacy air pollution, fostering cleaner environments and healthier communities. Additionally, it will create job opportunities in the energy sector, particularly benefiting disadvantaged communities. The initiative also aims to enhance operational efficiency in U.S. oil and gas operations, reducing waste and inefficiencies while achieving near-term emissions reductions.
This funding will assist small oil and natural gas operators in adopting and implementing methane emissions reduction technologies. It will also support partnerships aimed at improving emissions measurement accuracy and transparency, providing communities with reliable data on emissions impact.
This announcement marks a significant step in the broader Methane Emissions Reduction Programme, which will offer technical and financial assistance to further address methane emissions across the industry, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious energy sector.
“As we continue to accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition, we are taking steps now to drastically reduce harmful emissions from America’s largest source of industrial methane – the oil and gas sector,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “I am proud to partner with EPA to help revitalize energy communities and deliver long-lasting health and environmental benefits across the country.”