January 20, 2025
Methane (CH4) emissions in the US dropped to 642 Mt CO2 eq. in 2016 down from 708 Mt CO2 in 2000. In 2017, methane emissions started to grow again and reach 660 Mt CO2 eq., partially due to tight oil and shale gas development. However, a sharp increase in methane emissions occurred in 2020, reaching 735.4 Mt CO2 eq. This spike was likely influenced by intensified oil and gas extraction activities, including shale development, and the temporary relaxation of environmental regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have disrupted the implementation of emission control measures. By 2022, methane emissions declined again to 702.3 Mt CO2 eq. This reduction could be attributed to the reinstatement of environmental programs, the adoption of newer technologies, and a decrease in hydrocarbon production due to market conditions and the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established voluntary methane programs for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry (STAR: Science To Achieve Results) to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions. The EPA also runs the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) for coal mining, as well as the AgSTAR program for agriculture and Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP).