New Satellite Data Shows Appalachian Basin Emits More Methane than Permian Basin

New Satellite Data Shows Appalachian Basin Emits More Methane than Permian Basin

The Appalachian Basin discharged more methane last year than the Permian Basin —in Texas and New Mexico — leaving Appalachia the biggest source of greenhouse gases in the nation. Satellite data from Karryos, a global asset observation platform, showed that the Appalachian basin emitted 2.4 million tons of methane in 2020, while the Permian Basin emitted 2 million tons.  

Why this Matters: There are an estimated 538,000 unplugged abandoned oil and gas wells in the Ohio River Valley states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky alone, and plugging them could cost more than $34 billion.

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Energy Sector Continues to be Roiled by Coronavirus and Price War

Energy Sector Continues to be Roiled by Coronavirus and Price War

The news about the energy sector is mixed.   The good news is that Exxon is slashing spending by 30% ($10 b) as the President waffles on tariffs on foreign imports, while The New York Times reports solar and wind projects in operation are increasing sales as a result of utilities cutting costs because renewables are cheaper than coal.

Why This Matters:  This is the moment to pivot to clean energy.

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Energy And Transportation Sectors Feel Ripple Effects of Coronavirus – Will There Be Climate Benefits?

Energy And Transportation Sectors Feel Ripple Effects of Coronavirus – Will There Be Climate Benefits?

Oil and gas producers are being impacted by the spread of COVID-19 as Conoco-Phillips has canceled the travel of hundreds of workers who shuttle up to the oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska while workers currently there work an additional week, and in North Dakota the oil and gas commission is considering banning operators from either selling more unwanted Bakken crude oil or even forcing them to abandon wells completely.

Why This Matters:  The up and down sides of the scrambled new world order are coming into focus.

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