This third annual report analyzes the exploration and production emissions of the largest oil and gas producers in the United States, highlighting dramatic variation among producers and basins.
This year’s analysis found that reported methane and greenhouse gas intensity in the oil and gas sector have declined 28% and 30% between 2019 and 2021, despite an increase in natural gas and total hydrocarbon production.
But while overall emissions trended down in this year’s report, the gap between leaders and laggards continues to grow.
The report found that natural gas producers in the highest quartile of methane emissions intensity have an average emissions intensity that is nearly 26 times higher than natural gas producers in the lowest quartile of methane emissions intensity.
The report establishes a clear, consistent record comparing the performance of producers in an industry where voluntarily reported emissions metrics have historically been inconsistent and non-comparable.
The findings can help shareholders differentiate between potential investments, and inform regulators, lawmakers and company executives about the main causes of reported methane emissions, as well as which companies are disproportionately responsible for them.