OREANDA-NEWS. April 18, 2016.  Methane emissions from oil and natural gas production fell even as U.S. production rose dramatically, according to EPA’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory released late Friday, but API raised concerns over the new EPA methodology. 

“EPA has made a significant change in its inventory methodology, and we believe it is seriously flawed,” said Kyle Isakower, API vice president of regulatory and economic policy. “Industry-led efforts to reduce emissions through investments in new technologies and equipment are paying off. Even as oil and natural gas production has risen dramatically, we believe methane emissions from production are falling as shown by previous EPA greenhouse gas inventories. The industry will continue to make substantial progress to reduce emissions voluntarily and under existing EPA regulations. Methane is natural gas, so producers already have every incentive to capture and sell it rather than let it escape in the atmosphere.

“New regulations on methane from EPA and other agencies could actually harm our progress reducing emissions. By implementing a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach, the administration could dampen America’s shale energy revolution. Instead, the administration should allow the private sector to continue to innovate and deliver more natural gas to customers. Safe and responsible development of energy from shale has helped America become the world leader in reducing emissions, with carbon dioxide emissions down to near 20-year lows.” 

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.