This week’s Highwood Bulletin features the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, expansion of OGMP 2.0 in the U.S., Xpansiv’s new $400MM investment, EPA helicopter super-emitter surveys in the Permian, DOE funding for methane tech, Highwood’s new voluntary initiatives report (and mini-conference), a variety of other great conferences, and a whole bunch of new job postings!
Inflation Reduction Act Passed by U.S. Senate
In a 51-50 vote, the United States Senate has passed unprecedented legislation that includes upwards of $370 billion to help cut greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. New mechanisms would include tax credits for renewables and a methane fee imposed on natural gas companies that emit more than 0.2% of produced gas (or 0.05% of throughput for nonproduction facilities). The bill will now go to the House, where it is expected to pass. Read more here.
Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 Expands in U.S.
The Oil and Gas methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 will be joined by three new U.S. companies: Pioneer Natural Resources, Devon Energy, and ConocoPhillips. With most early adoption in Europe, OGMP 2.0 is now getting more traction in the U.S. OGMP 2.0, led by the United Nations Climate and Clean Air Coalition, is considered a ‘Gold Standard’ is methane target setting and reporting. Read more here.
Xpansiv Receives $400MM Blackstone Investment
Blackstone, a leading global investor, is investing $400 million in Xpansiv, a commodity exchange platform that tracks the environmental attributes of oil and natural gas using carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. Read more here.
EPA to Perform Helicopter Methane Surveys in Permian
In an effort to monitor for methane emissions non-compliance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be performing helicopter-based optical gas imaging (OGI) surveys in the Permian Basin. The Permian produces approximately 40% of U.S. oil and is often highlighted in the news and scientific literature for excessive methane emissions. Read more here.
Funding: DOE Supports Methane Monitoring, Measurement, and Mitigation Technologies
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $32 million in funding for technologies that help detect, quantify, and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Read more here and submit a funding application by October 2022 to be considered.
Report: Highwood Publishes 2022 Voluntary Initiatives Report
How can proactive oil and gas companies take credit for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions? Highwood’s free 2022 Voluntary Initiatives Report evaluates 24 certifications, commitments, and guidelines, providing the guidance you need to navigate emerging opportunities in differentiated energy commodity markets. Read more here and don’t forget to register for our upcoming mini-conference (see below).
Conference: Free Voluntary Initiatives Virtual Mini-Conference
Join us for this free interactive conference on September 21st, 2022, as we explore the findings of Highwood’s new Voluntary Initiatives Report and hear from experts from across the energy sector. This 3-hour event will feature presentations from experts in the field, an interactive breakout session, and exciting panels of voluntary initiative thought leaders. Click here to register for free.
Conference: CH4 Connections Methane Emissions Conference
GTI Energy’s CH4 Connections conference will take place on October 20-21, 2022, in Fort Collins, Colorado. This is one of our favourite events and Highwood will definitely be attending! Join us to discuss, learn, and share on everything methane as we connect with friends old and new and continue towards our goal of reducing O&G methane emissions. Highwood’s President (Thomas Fox) and CEO (Jessica Shumlich) will both be speaking. Learn more here.
Conference: PTAC Net Zero Conference & Expo
Speaking of great emissions reduction conferences, join us a few days later in Calgary for PTAC’s Net Zero Conference & Expo from October 25-27, 2022. Visit the event page and register here.
Conference: ONE Future Methane & Climate Strategies Event and Awards
Join us in Houston (The Woodlands) from November 2-4, 2022, for the fifth annual ONE Future Methane & Climate Strategies Event and Awards. Highwood’s President, Thomas Fox, will be speaking on The Value of Going Beyond Regulatory Emissions Reduction Requirements. The conference will focus on environmental & regulatory issues, policy, investor relations, use cases, and technological advancements across the natural gas supply chain. Learn more and register here.
Join our Team! Highwood is Hiring!
We currently have multiple exciting career postings on our website. In addition to those listed, Highwood is always looking for bright folks who want to help us change the world for the better. If you have experience in greenhouse gas emissions management and you’re looking for a career change, please reach out! Check out our active opportunities on our website by clicking here.
Want to Write for the Bulletin?
We’re always looking for guest writers who would like to contribute a Feature Article to the Highwood Bulletin. Please reach out if you’d like to write an unbiased, apolitical, solution-agnostic article for our 1000+ subscribers on an emissions management topic. Please reach out to [email protected] with your idea. Authors are fully credited and have a profile page on our website (we are happy to backlink).
