The Greenhouse Gas Inventory underestimates emissions

Background: The EPA has just released its annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks that has tracked climate pollution reported by different industries since1990. The US. GHG Inventory contains data by facility and location, and is used by policymakers and regulators to make critical decisions that impact air quality, health, and the climate. Yet since the Inventory is based on self-reported estimates, it is likely underestimating the climate impact of oil, gas, and other industries. 

Statement from Lauren Pagel, Earthworks Policy Director:

“Direct scientific measurements suggest that actual oil and gas methane pollution is twice the new EPA GHG inventory estimate.

Knowing about the undercount, President Biden should include concrete methane targets in the Nationally Determined Contribution, which sets the national climate reduction goal, and use the full power of the Clean Air Act to reduce oil and gas methane emissions 65% by 2025.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Greenhouse Gas Inventory

• Major studies reveal 60% more methane emissions