U.S. Drillers Have Cut Methane Emissions By More Than A Third Since 2015 – “The U.S. oil and gas industry has made significant progress in curbing emissions of methane, a potent heat-trapping gas that leaks from wells and pipelines. Largely by plugging leaks in equipment, the industry managed to cut methane emissions by 37 percent between 2015 and 2022, according to a new report based on EPA data. The drop comes despite a 40 precent uptick in production. The new figures come with a major caveat, however: Drillers only have to report emissions above a certain threshold, so many small sources of methane go unaccounted for.” [Yale 360, 6/3/24 (=)]

Oil And Gas Methane Emissions Gap Widens, Report Says – “The gap is expanding between U.S. oil and gas producers that are making strides in lowering methane emissions and industry stragglers, according to a new analysis of EPA data. The annual report from sustainability consultancy ERM found that total reported methane emissions have declined since 2019 — but that there’s still a wide range of emissions for onshore oil and gas producers. Nineteen companies were responsible for half of the industry's methane in the United States in 2022.” [Politico, 6/3/24 (=)]

Emissions Plateau As Coal Retirements Slow – “Coal is no longer king, but it’s still the biggest driver behind annual fluctuations in U.S. climate pollution. The abrupt decline in coal-fired electricity last year is expected to level off in 2024. Coal plant retirements will fall to their lowest level since 2011, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The slowdown in coal plant shutdowns represents a major obstacle to meeting America's climate ambitions. It also means total U.S. emissions will plateau in 2024, as oil and natural gas demand are projected to remain relatively flat.” [Politico, 6/3/24 (=)]