Smaller leaks account for most methane emissions in US oilfields
A new study finds that while large leaks grab attention, small methane leaks collectively emit most of the greenhouse gas from U.S. oilfields, including the sprawling Permian Basin.
Tammy Webber reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Smaller methane leaks contribute 72% of emissions in U.S. oil and gas fields, often escaping detection due to their size.
- The Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region, has over 130,000 active well sites with numerous opportunities for methane to escape.
- New technology, including MethaneSAT, enables broader monitoring and supports efforts to identify and address both large and small emissions.
Key quote:
“It’s really (important to) approach the problem from both ends because the high-emitting super emitters are important, but so are the smaller one.”
— James Williams, post-doctoral science fellow at the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas driving climate change, and small leaks are a largely overlooked contributor. Identifying and fixing these leaks can significantly reduce emissions, especially as regulatory measures like the new EPA rule aim to enforce accountability across the oil and gas sector.
Learn more: Living near fossil gas leaks can seriously harm your health
