On September 27, the Methane Abatement for Oil and Gas: Handbook for Policymakers has been released, according to a joint announcement from the Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt and the Department of Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program Chief Counsel Stephen Gardner.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has published the U.S. Government-Funded Methane Abatement Handbook for Policymakers, according to Secretary Gina Raimondo. This handbook, created by the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) and supported by the Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), aims to provide a comprehensive guide for lawmakers, ministers, regulators, and representatives of national oil companies to implement measures that will significantly reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
The handbook is a collaborative effort involving experts from U.S. government agencies, foreign governments, multilateral organizations, the oil and gas sector, civil society, and academia. It serves as a manual to enable policymakers to approve and implement legal measures that will effectively lower methane emissions.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Reducing methane emissions is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and mitigate the risk of dangerous climate tipping points. The oil and gas industry has the technology to reduce methane emissions by more than 70%, with over half of those reductions achievable at no net cost, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Methane Abatement Handbook provides a starting point for nations to learn about best practices, policies, and laws for reducing methane emissions from oil and gas extraction. The Departments of Commerce and State encourage legislators and regulators to use the handbook and follow its guidelines as they work towards their energy and environmental objectives. The handbook will also be used by the CLDP and ENR to expand their global technical assistance initiatives and assist nations seeking methane abatement consulting services.
The English edition of the handbook, as well as upcoming translations in other languages and additional resources on methane reduction in the oil and gas sector, can be accessed online through the Commercial Law Development Program's website.
