American oil and gas producers are emitting 13 million metric tons of potent greenhouse gas methane from operations around the country, according to a study published in Science. This "massive" figure means total methane emissions are 60 percent higher than previous estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an additional amount that's enough to heat 10 million American homes at the expense of $2 billion.
A slew of researchers and institutions measured more than 400 well pads in oil and gas facilities around the country. Most emissions are coming from leaks, malfunctions, and otherwise “abnormal” operating conditions during production and transportation. As much as 2.3 percent of all gas production is being released directly into the atmosphere and, because methane is more potent than carbon dioxide during the first two decades, it could force experts to rethink how the industry is shaping climate change.
"This study provides the best estimate to date on the climate impact of oil and gas activity in the United States," said co-author Jeff Peischl in a statement. "It's the culmination of 10 years of studies by scientists across the country.”
Methane is the main ingredient of natural gas and is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. When it is burned off, methane traps heat in the atmosphere for two decades, whereas carbon dioxide has a longer, slower impact that lasts for about a century. Scientists say it’s enough to erode the climate benefits of switching from coal to natural gas over the next two decades and raises concerns about whether natural gas is a good alternative to oil and coal and what its role may be in climate change.
It comes as the US is poised to experience another boom in natural gas production, increasing 10 percent this year over 2018 and 60 percent in the next 20 years. Natural gas is seen as a “bridge fuel”, helping facilitate a rapid switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation because it burns cleaner than both oil and coal. Climate emissions from new gas power plants are as much as 66 percent lower than existing coal power plants. Of course, all three sectors are seeing some serious competition when it comes to renewable energy, which is on track to power half of the world’s electricity by 2050.
Gas industry representatives have raised concerns about the study, citing the authors rely on previous scientific studies rather than new measurements and are "exaggerating" estimates, reports USA Today. On the other hand, other experts say the study likely understates leakages.
The study's two dozen government, university, and nonprofit scientists say that repairing leaks and addressing other issues could prevent future methane leaks and help the industry thrive.
"Natural gas emissions can, in fact, be significantly reduced if properly monitored," said co-author Colm Sweeney, an atmospheric scientist in NOAA's Global Monitoring Division. "Identifying the biggest leakers could substantially reduce emissions that we have measured."
