Businesses showcase solutions for reducing methane emissions

This week, the Center for Methane Emissions Solutions brought together members of the business, environmental and regulatory communities to discuss responsible natural gas development in Ohio.

“Large methane leaks can be significant, but multiple small leaks can add up, too. Those leaks mean lost product, lost cost, and air pollution,” said Michael Hopkins, Assistant Chief of Permitting, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “The Ohio EPA knows that good systems work, and we intend to allow for new systems as they become available. There is a lot left to do.”

Methane is the main ingredient of natural gas; meaning when facilities leak methane, they also waste a valuable energy resource. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio’s natural gas production jumped 43 percent in the most recent quarter of 2018, making emissions reductions even more critical. Methane is also a potent greenhouse gas responsible for 25% of current climate change pollution.

The methane forum featured demonstrations from FLIR Systems of the current technologies that can reduce half of industry’s methane emissions at no net cost. Many of the methane reduction strategies are developed or implemented by Ohio-based companies. Recent analyses reveal there are over 20 companies with locations in Ohio that specialize in methane reduction – making Ohio one of the top ten job creators in this field.

“While the impact of methane pollution on Ohio’s environment and economy is significant, we are fortunate that the United States is home to a robust industry of methane mitigation companies that are already working with the oil and gas industry to provide cost-effective solutions,” said Isaac Brown, Director of the Center for Methane Emission Solutions. “Technologies like those on display today highlight the way innovation is transforming the way industry operates for the better. Forward thinking governors, like Governor Kasich, deserve significant credit for understanding that thoughtful controls spur job growth and protect public health.”

The event also included a special virtual reality experience developed by Environmental Defense Fund that transports users to a modern day gas facility – allowing them to find and fix virtual methane leaks, underscoring the current opportunities to cost-effectively reduce this potent greenhouse gas, which often leaks with other harmful pollutants that deteriorate air quality and create risks to public health.

Ohio was among the first states in the nation to set standards to control harmful emissions from oil and gas facilities, actions which have helped the state avoid some of the pollution concerns experienced in other energy-producing states, while continuing to develop this lower carbon energy source.

“Governor Kasich led the way on tackling natural gas waste, and in part because of his efforts, there is a growing consensus that methane is an urgent threat that deserves our attention,” said Andrew Williams, Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund. “Expanding Ohio’s current methane policies to apply to the thousands of existing oil and gas facilities operating across the state will secure Ohio’s commitment to sensible energy policies that protect communities and the economy.”