Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, announced on Mar. 18 an investigation into a significant gap between reported and observed methane emissions in the Permian Basin, the top oil-producing region in the United States.
The issue is important because recent satellite data from MethaneSAT show that actual methane emissions in the area are about four times higher than what companies report to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This discrepancy raises concerns about unreported emissions and their impact on climate change, public health, and operational efficiency.
Whitehouse wrote to eight major oil and gas producers operating in the Permian Basin—EOG Resources, ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum, ExxonMobil, Diamondback Energy, Devon Energy, Chevron, and Mewbourne Oil Co.—asking them to explain how they measure and reduce methane waste. “The inconsistency between emissions reported to EPA’s Greenhouse Gase Inventory and satellite data suggest that significant, previously unreported emissions may be occurring,” Whitehouse wrote. He added that “substantial opportunities exist to reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and mitigate climate change.”
Methane is considered a super-pollutant with a global warming potential much greater than carbon dioxide over two decades. It contributes to health problems such as smog formation and reduced crop yields. Whitehouse said that “leaked methane is wasted methane,” noting its value as natural gas. He also stated: “Methane abatement in the oil and gas sector can largely be done at no net cost.” According to Whitehouse, capturing this wasted methane could help increase global supplies of natural gas during periods of high prices caused by international conflicts.
Some companies already use advanced monitoring methods like flyovers or satellites to track emissions. Several have pledged to cut methane output through initiatives such as the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter aiming for near-zero emissions by 2030. However, Whitehouse warned that “leaving substantial quantities of methane emissions unaddressed would be inconsistent with those commitments and other industry-wide climate goals.”
Whitehouse requested responses from these companies by April 1 regarding their efforts to address methane leaks in the region. The Senator has previously led congressional efforts supporting strong standards for methane control both domestically and internationally.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee supports hearings from its base in the Senate Dirksen Office Building according to its official website. The committee oversees federal programs related to environmental quality, natural resources, infrastructure legislation with nationwide effects according to its official website, influences policy on environmental regulations across the nation according to its official website, collaborates through subcommittees on clean air and water resources according to its official website, and is chaired by Shelley Moore Capito alongside members including Kevin Cramer and Cynthia Lummis according to its official website.
