Page 3 - Energy Transition Program News Today

Ahead of revised methane regulations expected from the federal government, a new study shows that gas flaring in oil-producing states such as Texas could be more harmful than previously thought. The industry has maintained that flaring at oil and gas fields is 98% effective at reducing methane. The study, however, showed that the rate is closer to 91%. ...

Nine Colorado groups and individuals have been honored as "Conservation Heroes" for their outstanding contributions to land, water and wildlife conservation. Linda Lidov, director of membership and communications for Keep it Colorado, said the awards are meant to spotlight the collaborative vision and strategy which go into protecting Colorados healthy vibrant landscapes, wildlife habitat, and local farms and ranches. "Sometimes we dont realize all the work that goes...

A wildlife ecosystem can benefit from a beaver dam, but their location can cause headaches for humans when they produce flooding. In Taos, New Mexico, conservationists think theyve found a cohabitation solution. It is technically called a "Castor Master," but is better known as a "Beaver Deceiver," a device designed to allow an ecosystem habitat which can support otter, raccoons, skunk, coyote and a variety of bird species without mucking-up the towns infrast...

A new study found gas flaring in oil-producing states like North Dakota is not as effective in limiting harmful emissions when compared to long-standing estimates. Flaring involves burning off excess natural gas which accumulates during oil extraction. The emission in question, methane, has been found to be a more powerful pollutant than carbon dioxide. ...

The political divide over climate change seems well entrenched, but a recent study suggested the conventional wisdom is wrong. The study, published in Nature Communications, found support for climate policies much higher than most think. While the average person believes support for climate action is around 43%, researchers found the actual level is between 66% and 80%. ...

Oregon has officially axed a gas-fired power plant near the Columbia River. The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council terminated the site certificate for the proposed Perennial Wind Chaser Station in Umatilla County. Audrey Leonard, staff attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, said the decision is a victory for the climate. ...

More than 40 environmental groups are urging federal regulators and Colorados Congressional delegation to put a pause on a pipeline project under way in Weld County, called Line 1, which would nearly triple the current capacity to deliver crude oil to the Suncor refinery in Commerce City. Patricia Garcia-Nelson, Colorado fossil fuel just transition advocate for the group Green Latinos, said if officials allow the extension of Line 1 to continue, they essentially will be rewarding bad behavior. ...

A relatively small number of so-called "super emitters" are responsible for 40% of the methane emissions in oil and gas hotspots such as Californias Central Valley, according to a new report. Experts from Carbon Mappers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and two universities in Arizona flew over the basin and measured the invisible gas with spectrometers. Jon Goldstein, senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs for the Environmental Defense Fund, which co-...

Following 2021’s electricity shortages, plans show a tension between ensuring supplies and guiding reform during crucial few years for the energy transition

The countrys 565,000 low-producing oil and gas wells - thousands of them in Texas - are responsible for approximately half of the methane discharged from all well sites in the United States, according to a new report published in Nature Communications. These wells produce the equivalent of just 15 barrels a day, while methane is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for over a quarter of current global warming. Erandi Trevino of Houston is an organizer with Moms Clean Air Force. ...