US Unveils Groundbreaking Plan to Drastically Reduce Potent Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Biden administration has officially approved a regulation to drastically reduce methane emissions from the US fossil fuel industry. This decision comes as scientists and climate advocacy groups stress the urgent need to lower global temperatures amidst the rapid rise in global temperatures. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi will present the regulation at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai on Saturday, where the reduction of methane emissions will be a focal point and various multi-lateral announcements are anticipated to be revealed.

Methane, the primary component of natural gas and a result of fossil fuel extraction, is a potent contributor to climate pollution, with more than 80 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide in the first two decades of being in the atmosphere. The oil and gas industry is the main global source of methane emissions, as reported by the International Energy Agency.

The US is set to enforce a new rule, to be implemented by the EPA, projected to reduce methane emissions by nearly 80% through 2038, in contrast to what they would have been without the rule. It is estimated that this will prevent approximately 58 million tons of methane from being released into the atmosphere during that period - equivalent to removing more than 300 million gas-powered cars from the road for a year.

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The regulation will address methane leaks from industrial sources through a variety of measures. A significant change will involve the cessation of routine flaring of natural gas produced during oil drilling, with a gradual transition to capturing and storing the gas instead of burning it. Additionally, the regulation will mandate rigorous monitoring of leaks from oil and gas wells and compressors, as well as reduction of leaks from equipment such as pumps, storage tanks, and controllers.

The detection of large methane leaks will also involve independent, third-party monitoring, utilizing satellites and other remote-sensing technology.

Regan emphasized that the US rule represents a bold move by the Biden administration to greatly reduce methane emissions. As the world's largest oil producer, the US drilled and sold 21% of the world's oil last year.

The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to mobilizing billions in investment to address orphaned wells, leaky pipes, and abandoned mines, as well as implementing strong standards to reduce pollution from the oil and gas sector. Zaidi stated that the federal government is fully committed to reducing harmful methane pollution.

In recent years, methane emissions have increased significantly, surprising scientists and energy experts. They now advocate for capping leaks and ending flaring and venting as simple methods to slow down the pace of global warming.

According to pollution experts and climate advocates interviewed by CNN, oil and gas companies have a strong incentive to repair leaks and reduce flaring, as this would ultimately allow them to sell more oil and gas while polluting less.

"As executive director of Harvard Law School's Environmental & Energy Law Program, Carrie Jenks stated, "There is significant opportunity for companies to minimize leaks and increase their product output. All the incentives should be aligned in this area."

According to Environmental Defense Fund's senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs, Jon Goldstein, the EPAs decision to end routine flaring marks a significant advancement. Goldstein, who specializes in methane pollution, pointed out that the latest research indicates that flares are not only wasteful, but also significant sources of pollution due to their inefficiency. He emphasized that the most effective way to address this pollution is to prevent it from reaching the flares in the first place, questioning the logic of burning off valuable products that could instead be sold.