ExxonMobil supports methane regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed how it might regulate future methane emissions, so I thought it would be a good time to reiterate ExxonMobil’s position on methane.

Last year we announced our support for the direct regulation of methane emissions for new and existing oil and gas facilities. That hasn’t changed.

Our experience shows that methane emissions can be mitigated in a cost-effective manner. Since we announced voluntary efforts to reduce methane emissions, we’ve made great progress and are on track to meet our commitment to reduce corporate-wide emissions by 15 percent by 2020, when compared to 2016 levels.

We’re also exploring new technologies to further reduce emissions. We’re working with government laboratories, universities, NGOs, and other industry participants on a substantial research and technology development program that includes innovations to quickly and efficiently detect leaks.

While voluntary efforts by individual companies are important, they only capture a fraction of industry’s overall emissions. Full industry participation is required to maximize the benefits to society.

That’s why our views on EPA’s regulations haven’t changed, and we urge EPA to retain the main features of the existing methane rule.

Staale Gjervik is Senior Vice President, Unconventional, ExxonMobil Upstream Oil & Gas Company.