This week’s Highwood Bulletin covers developments in greenhouse gas emissions management from around the world, including new methane rules issues by the U.S. EPA, a growing body of signatories to the Global Methane Pledge, a new U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, Carbon Mapper’s new data portal, publication of Alberta’s long-awaited vent gas carbon offset protocol, a new course on methane measurement technology, funding for emissions reductions, and employment opportunities with Highwood Emissions Management.
U.S. EPA Publishes Draft Methane Rules for O&G Sector
One of the most anticipated documents of the year for the U.S. oil and natural gas sector has arrived. On November 2nd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published draft rules designed to reduce methane emissions from both new and existing O&G facilities. The rules represent a dramatic increase in scope and stringency, with an estimated 300,000 facilities within scope that must perform regular leak inspections, eliminate venting of associated gas, and transition to zero-emitting pneumatic controllers – among other changes. Read about it in the news here or get into the details here.
100+ Countries join Global Methane Pledge
The Global Methane Pledge, a commitment to reduce methane emissions to 30% below 2020 levels by 2030, was announced in September by the United States and European Union. The Pledge was launched on November 2nd at COP26 in Glasgow and more than 100 countries have now joined the initial duo. Read more here.
U.S. Publishes Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan
The White House has published a comprehensive Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan that will use “all available tools” to reduce methane emissions from the O&G industry, landfills, abandoned coal mines, and agriculture. The plan is focused on reducing methane cost-effectively while improving the economy and U.S. competitiveness. Read the fact sheet here and access the plan here.
Carbon Mapper Launches Public Data Portal
Carbon Mapper, a non-profit that seeks to improve quality, quantity, and access to global greenhouse gas emissions data, has released a public data portal. The new data identifies O&G facilities, feedlots, and other sources of methane across the U.S. The service clearly shows images of methane plumes and identifies high-emitting facilities on a map. See the data for yourself here.
Alberta Vent Gas Protocol is Published
Alberta Environment and Parks has published the final and long-awaited Quantification Protocol for Vent Gas Reduction. The protocol, developed in collaboration with industry, academics, government, and environmental groups, allows companies to generate regulatory carbon offsets by conserving or destroying vent gas. Download the protocol here.
Education: Methane Measurement Technology Course
A new course by Highwood’s President Thomas Fox will launch on January 11th 2022. The course will overview the current state of methane measurement, giving participants the ability to clearly understand the value of different approaches for detecting and quantifying methane emissions. Click here to learn more and register for the course.
Funding Opportunity: Round 3 of NRCan’s $675MM ERF is here!
NRCan has opened a third round of the Emissions Reduction Fund. If you have an emissions reduction project or are looking for potential projects to reduce your emissions, funding is available. Reach out to Highwood to chat through project options, eligibility, or even to perform a comprehensive analysis of what projects fit your particular site needs. Learn more here.
Funding Opportunity: Alberta Launches $17MM Methane Technology Program
The Government of Alberta has launched a new $17 million funding program called the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP). The funds will be used to finance deployments of alternative methane monitoring technologies, build a new methane database, and fund technology trials. The funding will be delivered by Carbon Management Canada and the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group. Expressions are now open and close on December 15th. Learn more here.
Join our Team! Highwood is Hiring!
We are currently hiring a Junior Software Developer. In addition, 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!
