Carper Comments on New EPA, DOE Grant Program to Lower Methane Emissions
TL/DR –
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have announced the availability of $850m in competitive grants to fund the monitoring and reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector as part of the US Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program. It is noted that methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, accounting for over 25% of the current global warming, with the oil and gas industry responsible for at least a third of man-made methane emissions. The grants will be used to harness innovative technologies to reduce emissions, in a move aimed at meeting climate goals, protecting public health, and creating jobs.
U.S. Senator Tom Carper Applauds EPA and DOE’s $850 Million Grant to Reduce Methane Emissions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), in his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, expressed approval for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE)’s announcement regarding the provision of $850 million in competitive grants. This funding under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program is intended to facilitate efforts to monitor and reduce methane emissions within the oil and gas sector.
Carper emphasized the potency of methane, citing it as “over 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.” This necessitates proactive measures, like the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, to decrease the emission of this powerful pollutant. Carper also noted that these grants will employ innovative technologies to reduce methane emissions, consequently assisting in the achievement of climate goals, public health protection, and job creation. The Senator commended the EPA and DOE for their prompt action in making these funds available and encouraged strong participation in this groundbreaking program.
Background
As the EPW Chairman, Senator Carper played a crucial role in negotiating the incorporation of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program into the Inflation Reduction Act. Methane, with its potency 84 times that of carbon dioxide within the first two decades post-release, is accountable for over 25% of the current global warming. Notably, the oil and gas industry is responsible for at least a third of man-made methane emissions. Recent studies indicate that methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations are approximately 60% higher than prior estimates.
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