Striking at the Source: The U.S. Strategy to Curb Methane Emissions

The Critical Role of Methane Reduction in Climate Strategies

Methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, plays a significant role in global warming, trapping up to 83 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide in its first 20 years. Experts agree that slashing methane emissions is crucial to stay on track with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The Biden administration's commitment to reducing methane emissions is a central piece of the U.S. climate commitments, showcasing a comprehensive strategy to tackle this issue head-on.

The Biden Administration's Comprehensive Approach

The administration has proposed to regulate methane emissions through separate federal rules issued by three different agencies, responding to a mandate from Congress. Each rule focuses on a different aspect of the methane issue, demonstrating a holistic approach to addressing methane emissions across the oil and gas sector, the largest industrial source of methane in the U.S.

Leveraging Advanced Technologies

Recent advancements in technology, such as satellites, aerial surveys, drones, and continuous emission monitors, have significantly improved the ability to detect methane leaks. These technologies allow for more frequent and comprehensive monitoring compared to traditional methods, enabling better identification and control of leaks. The Biden administration is capitalizing on these advancements by requiring companies to measure, report, and reduce methane emissions.

Key Regulatory Measures

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is working on three rulemakings aimed at reducing emissions, updating measurement and reporting methods, and implementing a new methane waste charge. These efforts create financial incentives for large facilities to reduce methane emissions.

2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The BLM is proposing a rule for oil and gas facilities on public lands to mitigate the loss of gas through venting, flaring, and leaking, in line with a congressional mandate.

3. Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA): PHMSA is focusing on leak detection and repair standards for natural gas pipelines, addressing both public safety risks and environmental benefits.

The Impact of Collaboration and Technology

The combination of new regulatory measures and cutting-edge technology creates a strong momentum to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. This collaborative effort across agencies and with stakeholders aims to ensure that the rules work well together and foster incentives for detecting and mitigating leaks effectively. The environmental and energy law program at Harvard Law School plays a pivotal role in collaborating with stakeholders to support this endeavor.

Conclusion

The Biden administration's targeted approach to regulating methane emissions represents a significant step forward in the U.S.' efforts to meet its climate goals and contribute to the global effort to limit warming. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering collaboration across different sectors, the U.S. is poised to make substantial progress in reducing methane emissions and mitigating its impact on climate change.

For more detailed information on the Harvard Law School's environmental and energy law program's work on methane reduction, visit their methane resource page.