Permian Basin producers continue to break production, methane reduction records

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(The Center Square) – As Texas producers continue to break oil and natural gas production records, they also continue to reduce methane emissions, according to a new report published by Texans for Natural Gas, a campaign of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO).

Opponents of the oil and natural gas industry argue the industry is a main culprit of climate change when the industry, led by Texas, has implemented a range of technological advances to reduce emissions and preserve natural habitat, including for lizards in the Permian Basin in the West Texas desert, The Center Square reported.

The Permian Basin accounts for nearly 40% of all oil production and nearly 15% of natural gas production in the U.S., according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. It spans more than 86,000 square miles – roughly 10 times the size of New Jersey. Roughly 250 miles wide and 300 miles long, it has more than 7,000 fields.

The majority of production in the basin, 70%, occurs on private land in Texas.

Preliminary 2024 data for the Permian Basin points to a 14% reduction in flaring, according to the TNG report. Flaring intensity is the leading industry standard used to calculate methane and flaring emissions relative to production output.

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This is after the Permian Basin reached one of its lowest methane intensity levels in 2023, at 0.49 metric tons per barrel of oil equivalent (MT/boe). Since 2011, Permian methane intensity has declined nearly 83% as total production increased by 482% over the same time period, according to the report.

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(Ed) Longanecker (TIPRO President) also notes that emissions can be reduced even further by expanding pipeline infrastructure and permitting reform.

The completion of several high-capacity pipeline projects in 2024 has already bolstered Texas’ position as a leader in energy infrastructure, he argues.

Expanding pipeline infrastructure is “urgently needed to safely and efficiently transport energy and reduce flaring," he said. "The oil and gas industry will continue to prioritize innovation and safety to drive emissions even lower, but a clear, predictable and permanent permitting process is critical to safeguarding responsible energy development for decades to come."

Longtime industry executive Richard Welch agrees, arguing Congress and the Trump administration can implement significant permitting reform, “repeal decades of senseless and duplicative regulations, and restore regulatory order by returning power to the states.”

“While states like Texas can approve and begin construction on critical projects in a matter of months, federal approval for natural gas projects, for example, including obtaining a permit and beginning construction, takes an average of 3.5 years,” he said. Delays hamper economic growth, energy security and job creation, he argues.

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The American Oil & Gas Industry, breaking domestic production records AND working to reduce emissions to save our planet for future generations. Brings a tear to my eye and warms my cockles.