Clean Air
America’s independent oil and natural gas producers are committed to ensuring the quality of the air we breathe is not threatened by the production of domestic energy. Nearly 50% of the $175 billion invested by energy producers in environmental protection over the past two decades has been dedicated to improving air quality.
By developing new technologies and making cleaner air a priority during every part of the exploration and production processes, we have reduced emissions and developed new ways of keeping our economy moving while keeping our skies clear.
“The U.S. oil and gas industry has integrated an environmental ethic into its business culture and operations.”- Department of Energy’s Environmental Benefits of Advanced Oil and Gas Exploration & Production Technology Report
Fewer Wells Means Fewer Emissions
Americans should not have to choose between clean air and affordable energy. Thanks to new technologies developed my oil and natural gas producers, they no don’t have to. Techniques developed in the last two decades have made energy production more efficient than ever, reducing the number of wells needed to generate America’s energy supply. Today, half as many wells are needed to produce the same amount of energy as twenty years ago.
Emissions related to oil and natural gas exploration and production at the well site have also been reduced through new practices that not only preserve the environment, but make resource capturing more efficient. Some of those include technologies that prevent flare ups, leaks and pressure loss.
Putting Emissions to Work
Like the energy it helps to produce, carbon dioxide-if properly injected underground-can remain there indefinitely, causing no damage to the environment. A new procedure also allows injected carbon dioxide to stimulate production in declining oil and gas wells. Not all wells are perfect candidates for carbon dioxide injection, but according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 30 to 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are injected into oil wells annually.
This procedure-like hydraulic fracturing-allows for both the efficient collection of resources and a reduction in the environmental impact of energy production.
Partnering with Government
America’s oil and gas producers are partnering with government agencies at the state, federal and local levels to develop programs that will both preserve the environment and a vibrant energy industry that creates jobs and powers economic growth.
Through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Gas STAR program, the industry has eliminated 677 billion cubic feet of methane emissions since 1993.
