WASHINGTON –  In regard to the United States’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) announcement expected this week, American Exploration and Production Council CEO Anne Bradbury underscored the important role of American natural gas in reducing emissions and cautioned against overly aggressive commitments that cause the loss of American jobs or harm our country’s energy security.

“Climate change is a global challenge, one that can only be successfully addressed through global action. 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.

“American leaders should be proud of this achievement and help other countries meet emissions targets by investing in technologies like CCUS and supporting exports of US LNG.  Implementing policies that go beyond the capabilities of current technologies with unrealistic timeframes in the US NDC will only penalize consumers, our industry and our country’s energy security; further constrict the American economy when it is trying to recover; and cause job losses everywhere from New Mexico to Pennsylvania. American climate leadership is the best way to truly address global climate change, while also protecting American jobs and energy security at home.

“AXPC is committed to building on the substantial progress achieved by the US oil and gas industry and working with the US government to meet the dual challenge of addressing climate change and meeting our global demand for affordable and reliable energy.”

Meeting US climate goals requires collaboration amongst the Administration, Congress, states, tribes, and the energy industry. The independent American oil and natural gas industry shares the Administration’s climate goals and is part of the solution.

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.

• • Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future. The United States has vast reserves of natural gas that are commercially viable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies, which enable greater access to gas in rock formations deep underground. These advances have spurred a significant increase in the production of both natural gas and oil across the country. Responsible development of America’s oil and gas resources offers important economic, energy security, and environmental benefits.[i]

• • 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.[ii]

• • 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.[iii]

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://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm?deid=320611

[ii] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/latest-inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-shows-long-term-reductions-0

[iii] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-04/documents/us-ghg-inventory-2020-main-text.pdf