Methane Clips: September 19, 2024
‘Red Flags’ on climate: U.S. methane emissions keep climbing - “The United States’ booming fossil-fuel industry continues to emit more and more planet-warming methane into the atmosphere, new research showed, despite a U.S.-led effort to encourage other countries to cut emissions globally. Methane is among the most potent greenhouse gases, and ‘one of the worst performers in our study is the U.S., even though it was an instigator of the Global Methane Pledge,’ said Antoine Halff, the co-founder of Kayrros, the environmental data company issuing the report. ‘Those are red flags.’” [New York Times, 9/19/24 (=)]
No rehearing for 10th Circ. methane rule challenge. “A Tenth Circuit panel rejected a request to reconsider its decision to throw out a ruling that partially invalidated an Obama-era rule limiting venting, flaring and leaks from oil and gas wells on federal land.” [Law 360, 9/18/24 (=)]
Scientists skeptical of oil and gas company’s claim that its fracking ‘poses no public health risks’ – “The project was launched in November, 2023, when CNX and Governor Josh Shapiro agreed to a partnership where the company would allow the state to study two of its well sites. The company also agreed to release air and water quality data around its own well sites publicly, and agreed to voluntarily increase setbacks for its gas wells from buildings and schools. Further, it would provide more information about which chemicals it injects underground during the fracking process, which breaks up tight rock formations thousands of feet underground to send methane gas to the surface.” [Allegheny Front, 9/18/24 (=)]
State’s Legislative Finance Committee discusses oil and gas regulation – “The state’s Legislative Finance Committee convened with leaders of various departments to discuss regulation and oversight of the oil and gas industry. The main point of concern was pollution. The New Mexico Environment Department identified over 300 oil plumes they call methane ‘super emitters.’ ‘There will be immediate causality for these operators once notified to take control of their methane emissions,’ said Secretary James Kenney, New Mexico Environment Department. The environment department also found elevated ozone levels across multiple counties which they said exceeded federal standards. They said raising fees on the industry will help reduce that pollution.” [KRQE, 9/18/24 (=)]
No major federal agency updates over the last 24 hours
No major legislation or rulemaking updates over the last 24 hours