US, EU look to accelerate efforts to reduce methane emissions
Friday, November 11, 2022
The United States and European Union have drafted a joint agreement to accelerate efforts to reduce methane emissions from the fossil fuel industry that they plan to unveil at the U.N. climate summit this week, according to Reuters.
The agreement includes measures to stop routine venting and flaring of natural gas and requires companies to fix leaks in their infrastructure. Both the U.S. and EU have proposed regulations to curb oil and gas companies’ methane leaks domestically, but they haven’t been implemented yet.
It also builds on the agreement spearheaded by the U.S. and EU last year to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels.
Last year’s Global Methane Pledge has been signed by 119 countries, which included 13 of the world’s top 20 methane emitters.
Learn more: Reuters > Exclusive US, EU plan new pledge targeting oil and gas methane emissions – document
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.