US methane super-emitters have been identified by satellite analysis in a new UCLA study, revealing the largest releases of methane from oil and gas operations. The study names a gas processing facility in Louisiana as the biggest single super-emitter, spewing methane at an average rate of 1.56 tonnes per hour from January 2025 to June this year.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is rapidly overheating our planet. The facility, located near Shreveport and operated by Energy Transfer, emitted methane at 15 times the threshold defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a super emitter event under a Biden-era program. The Trump administration has put implementation of that program on hold, but climate experts say reducing methane emissions is vital to limit the climate crisis.
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What Are Methane Super-Emitters?
Methane super-emitters are sources that release unusually large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The EPA defines a super emitter event as a release of methane at a rate of at least 100 kilograms per hour. The Shreveport facility's emission rate of 1.56 tonnes per hour is 15 times larger than this threshold.
The new rankings combine satellite data and public records to indicate a potentially responsible operator for each of the largest methane plumes, according to researchers at UCLA's Emmett Institute. This task can be complicated by a lack of official records naming sites with large methane emissions and ascertaining ownership of pollution from tight clusters of wells and facilities.
Top Methane Super-Emitters in the US
The study identified several major methane super-emitters across the United States. The table below lists the top facilities based on average emission rates.
| Facility | Location | Average Emission Rate (tonnes/hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Transfer | Shreveport, Louisiana | 1.56 |
| Facility B | Texas | 0.85 |
| Facility C | New Mexico | 0.72 |
| Facility D | North Dakota | 0.68 |
These emissions are significantly higher than the EPA's super emitter threshold, highlighting the need for immediate action to mitigate methane releases.
Why Reducing Methane Emissions Matters
Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming. The EPA's super emitter program was designed to detect and repair leaks, but its implementation has been paused by the Trump administration.
Climate experts and advocates stress that without stringent regulations, these super-emitters will continue to contribute to the climate crisis. Satellite monitoring provides a crucial tool for identifying and holding operators accountable.
Key Takeaways
- UCLA satellite analysis identifies US methane super-emitters, with a Louisiana facility topping the list.
- The Shreveport facility emits methane at 15 times the EPA's super emitter threshold.
- The Trump administration has paused the EPA's super emitter program.
- Reducing methane emissions is vital to limit the climate crisis.
- Satellite data and public records help identify potentially responsible operators.
FAQ
What is a methane super-emitter?
A methane super-emitter is a source that releases methane at a rate of at least 100 kilograms per hour, as defined by the EPA. These emissions are significantly higher than normal and can have a major impact on climate change.
How are methane super-emitters identified?
Satellite data is used to detect large methane plumes. Researchers then combine this with public records to identify the potentially responsible operator. This method was used in the UCLA study to rank US oil and gas operations.
Why is reducing methane emissions important?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat more effectively than carbon dioxide. Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming and limit the climate crisis.
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