WASHINGTON – The American oil and natural gas industry is dedicated to developing affordable, reliable energy to meet the world’s growing demand, while continuing to reduce emissions, protecting our natural resources through responsible water management, and preserving wildlife habitats through species mitigation.
“We take our responsibility to steward natural resources seriously and are committed to safe, environmentally protective oil and natural gas production that protects the environment and the people who live, breathe, and work in the communities in which we also live and operate. Earth Day is a day to celebrate the work our country has done, and the progress we have made over the past several decades to improve air quality, responsibly manage water, and develop the innovative technologies needed to further this progress. It is also a time to recognize that there is still work to do, and we are committed to working together to meet this challenge,” said Anne Bradbury, AXPC CEO.
American oil and gas producers have an irreplaceable role in meeting the challenge of global climate change.
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- Large, independent American oil and gas producers support innovative, collaborative solutions that lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while meeting the world’s growing need for abundant, low cost, reliable energy.
- Over the last several years, the US has already reduced emissions more than any other country in the Paris Agreement, due in large part to the increased use of natural gas and our industry’s commitment to innovation and technology.
New Berkeley Lab data released April 2021 shows that the US has made significant progress to reduce carbon emissions over the last 15 years primarily due to the increased use of natural gas in power generation:[i]
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- Emissions tied to the electricity sector were poised to surge over the last fifteen years, according to 2005 EIA predictions, yet the nation actually reduced power-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to government projections.
- “The U.S. cut power sector emissions by 52 percent below projected levels – we are now ‘halfway to zero,’” Berkeley Lab scientist and lead researcher, Ryan Wiser, said.[ii]
- Emissions tied to the electricity sector were poised to surge over the last fifteen years, according to 2005 EIA predictions, yet the nation actually reduced power-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to government projections.
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- In addition to carbon dioxide emission reductions, sulfur and nitrogen pollutants also declined and improved public health. The researchers estimate premature deaths fell from 38,000 in 2005 to 3,100 in 2020 – representing a 91% decrease.
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- The researchers also found consumer electric bills were 18% lower than expected, saving Americans $86 billion per year.
- “Compared to the business-as-usual projection, not only did the nation significantly reduce its carbon footprint, but it did so while also reducing total energy bills and health burdens,” said co-author and Berkeley Lab scientist Dev Millstein.
- The researchers also found consumer electric bills were 18% lower than expected, saving Americans $86 billion per year.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the United States is a world leader in protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while producing affordable energy:
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- From 2005 to 2018, total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell by 12 percent. In contrast, global energy-related emissions increased nearly 24 percent from 2005 to 2018.[iii]
- Methane emissions from oil and natural gas systems are down 23 percent since 1990, according to the 2020 edition of EPA’s Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks.[iv]
- EPA’s finalized Greenhouse Gas Inventory released April 2021 shows that in 2019, CO2 emissions from the power sector declined 8.4 percent from 2018 levels, an 11.8 percent decrease compared to 1990, and a 33 percent decrease from 2005 – the nation’s peak emitting year.[v]
To learn more about the work that AXPC is doing to protect the environment, please visit here.
About the American Exploration and Production Council:
AXPC is a national trade association representing the largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States. We lead the world in the cleanest and safest onshore production of oil and gas, while supporting millions of Americans in high-paying jobs and investing a wealth of resources in our communities. Learn more at https://axpc.org/
[i] https://marcelluscoalition.org/2021/04/15/nat-gas-played-a-large-role-in-lowering-carbon-emissions-berkeley-lab-finds/
[ii] https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2021/04/13/u-s-power-sector-is-halfway-to-zero-carbon-emissions/
[iii] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/latest-inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-shows-long-term-reductions-0
[iv] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-04/documents/us-ghg-inventory-2020-main-text.pdf
[v] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2021-04/documents/us-ghg-inventory-2021-chapter-3-energy.pdf