December 28, 2019

Permian Basin Methane Emissions Lowest Among World's Leading Oil Producers

While total oil and gas production in the Permian Basin is up over 211% in the past 7 years, methane intensity in the area has dropped over 63.8%. This comes from a recent report by the Texans for Natural Gas, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association. To put things into perspective, the Permian is now producing more oil than any of the 14 members of OPEC (except Saudi Arabia and Iraq), yet ranks far below the other world leading oil producers including Russia, Syria, and Venezuela when it comes to methane intensity. According to the analysis, in 2018 Venezuela’s flaring intensity was 334% higher than the Permian Basin’s, while the Permian Basin produced more than twice as much crude oil as Venezuela. As they should be, leaders from the Basin’s major oil and gas associations were proud to announce these recent findings. “This new analysis gives a more accurate view of methane and flaring, accounting for the Permian’s massive energy potential and its wide-reaching benefits,” said Elizabeth Caldwell, spokesperson for Texans for Natural Gas. “American energy security is good for the economy and our environment.” Ben Shepperd, President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association also stated, “The Permian Basin today is producing prosperity across Texas and New Mexico as well as American energy security. As this new analysis shows, our producers are proving every day that energy production and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive, and we are committed to sustainable energy policies.” Ryan Flynn, executive director of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association said, “The Permian Basin is one of the top oil and natural gas fields in the entire world, and producers across the basin are demonstrating world-class leadership by reducing emissions alongside growing production. As energy markets across the globe look to America for their energy needs, we are creating the solutions of the future to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to people and communities in every corner of the planet. We can and will show the world that American and Permian energy leadership means providing accessible, affordable oil and natural gas while protecting our environment.” “Texas oil and gas producers continue to be global leaders, not only in production but in making environmental progress. Over the past seven years, oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin is up more than 200% and methane intensity is down nearly 64%. Across its operations, the industry is using technology and innovation every day to make breakthroughs in producing reliable and affordable energy supplies while advancing climate progress and environmental solutions.” said Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association.