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EPA’s Voluntary Methane Programs for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

We encourage oil and natural gas companies to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions.

EPA’s Voluntary Methane Programs for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry


Why Focus on Methane?

  • Methane is a potent greenhouse gas 25 times more powerful than COin trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.
  • Methane is a primary constituent of natural gas, an important energy source.
  • Taking steps to reduce methane emissions reduces operational risk, increases efficiency, and demonstrates company concern for the environment, with benefits spanning from climate change to air quality improvements.

To learn more about methane, visit EPA's Overview of Greenhouse Gases page. For more information about methane emissions in the natural gas industry, see the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2018 sections on Natural Gas Systems.

Pie chart that shows different types of gases. 28% from Natural Gas and Petroleum Systems. 28 from Enteric Fermentation. 17% from Landfills. 10% from Manure Management. 8% from Coal Mining. 9% from Other.