A new study published by two environmental groups contradicts the stated reasoning behind President Joe Biden’s most aggressive action against the fossil fuel industry.
Environmental consultancy Ceres and environmental groups Clean Air Task Force (CATF) recently study According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), methane emissions from natural gas activities fell while production increased between 2015 and 2022. The Biden administration suspended approvals for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals in January, but this was mainly due to the because It noted that “our understanding” of the “dangerous effects of methane” is evolving, and expressed concern that continuing as usual could cause significant damage to the climate.
especially, Ceres and Canada I support major government initiatives to decarbonize the American economy, a goal also held by Biden. Pursued Ceres is a leader in promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, and CATF the purpose “Accelerate the development and introduction of zero-carbon fuels” Also “Facilitate deep global reductions in methane emissions”
Specifically, between 2015 and 2022, U.S. natural gas production increased by 40%, but methane emissions from that production fell by 37%. The study and its findings show that “energy companies can effectively reduce methane emissions if they wish.” according to Canary Media, an independent non-profit news media Release By Rocky Mountain Institute Focused on green energy and climate change. (Related article: Biden aide questions whether world really needs more American energy)
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“In fact, the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions in the West over the past 30 years have come from natural gas, which is primarily made up of demonized methane, displacing coal in electricity generation. All of the planning efforts led by activists and their water association members in the public policy arena pale in comparison,” David Blackmon, who spent 40 years in the oil and gas industry and now writes and consults on the energy industry, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “I personally want to thank Ceres and CATF for conducting this important study, even if they have been hesitant to talk about its key findings.”
The study’s authors arrived at their findings using data from the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) and calculations based on the agency’s greenhouse gas inventory, rather than direct measurements of emissions. While the study acknowledges that GHGRP data is not perfect because it tends to underestimate emissions, the program “currently represents the most robust and comprehensive inventory of corporate-level emissions.” [greenhouse gas] “Emissions from the Oil and Gas Industry”
especially, Ceres and Cat I support major government initiatives to decarbonize the American economy, a goal also held by Biden. Pursued Throughout his first term as president.
“From 2015 to 2022, U.S. natural gas production increased by 40%, while methane emissions from gas extraction decreased by 37%,” Steve Everly, senior managing director of energy and natural resources at FTI Consulting, said in the report. post I asked X about the Ceres and CATF study: “Recall that the primary reason for the suspension of LNG exports was uncertainty about the climate benefits of U.S. natural gas, and methane emissions were a key factor.” (Related: Biden Administration Relied on Dubious, Misleading Science to Justify Suspending Natural Gas Hub Approvals)
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One reason emissions have fallen is that technological advances have allowed operators to more accurately monitor for potential methane leaks, for example. according to to ARUSI, an engineering firm based in Phoenix, Arizona;
According to the White House, concerns about methane pollution and climate change were factors in the administration’s decision in January to halt approvals of new LNG export terminals. Many environmental groups Applause This decision, in particular Quote The decision singles out methane emissions as a major concern.
However, energy experts have previously explained to DCNF that Biden’s moratorium is unlikely to reduce global emissions because potential buyers of natural gas will likely turn to other countries that produce gas using less clean methods to meet their own domestic demand.
Two previous analyses by the Department of Energy (DOE) 2014 and 2019The Biden administration appears uninfluenced by these studies, but White House officials say they are “very concerned” about the potential for LNG exports to be “cleaner than coal mined and used domestically.” Reportedly It was “influenced” by a questionable paper written by an explicitly anti-fossil fuel Ivy League professor that came to the exact opposite conclusion.
The study’s author, Robert Howarth of Cornell University, released the paper in the public domain before peer review in order to influence the political debate over natural gas exports, and its main findings have been revised several times since it was first published. Howarth has long fought the fossil fuel industry and openly supports a societal transition away from fossil fuel use, and the study was funded in part by environmental groups opposed to fracking.
Critics Supporters of the administration’s LNG production halt argue the decision is political, not scientific, and aimed at appeasing young, climate-conscious voters and well-funded environmental groups that Biden will likely count on as he seeks a second term in November.
The White House, Ceres and CATF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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