EU Parliament Vote on Methane Emissions is Key Climate Opportunity

A European Parliament vote by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) moved the EU Commission a step closer to developing a methane reduction strategy. Methane is responsible for about a quarter of today’s planetary warming. It is also the main ingredient in natural gas. An estimated 3.5 trillion cubic feet of methane escapes into the atmosphere from oil and gas operations worldwide each year and the EU is the 7th largest global emitter.

“When it comes to taking action to address climate risk speed and cost are two key parameters – addressing methane emissions from industry offers low cost, quick action at a significant scale – we need to focus on getting to these quick wins in Europe. The IEA recently estimated that just the cost positive and neutral actions on oil and gas methane emissions alone would be equivalent to closing all of China’s coal fired power stations.

“Todays’ vote in the European Parliament is a sign that policymakers see methane as a climate opportunity not to be missed.

“Major EU energy producers are already stepping up to reduce oil and gas methane emissions but there is still more to do to accelerate action across Europe and around the world We look forward to working with the many individuals and groups who have helped achieve this outcome today.”

– Bryony Worthington, Executive Director, Environmental Defense Fund Europe