Natural Gas STAR International

On September 26, 2006, EPA officially launched Natural Gas STAR International. Natural Gas STAR International, administered under the Methane to Markets Partnership, builds on the domestic Gas STAR Program to promote voluntary, cost-effective methane emission reduction activities in the international oil and gas sector.  Membership in Natural Gas STAR International is open to all oil and gas companies, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The key components of Natural Gas STAR International are technology transfer and one-on-one assistance in identifying and implementing cost-effective methane emission reduction projects and reporting of results. Partners in Natural Gas STAR International can realize a variety of important benefits through participation. Benefits include the following:

• Save time identifying the “right” technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions
• Participate in EPA’s technology transfer workshop series
• Enhance your company’s corporate reputation
• Develop a voluntary record of reductions and internal benchmarking capabilities

To join Natural Gas STAR International, sign the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (PDF, 1 p., 89 KB, About PDF) signifying your company’s commitment to the Program. After signing the MOU, your company must do the following:

• Submit an Implementation Plan summarizing how your company plans to incorporate Natural Gas STAR International in its operations
• Plan for the annual reporting process by documenting current and past emissions reductions activities

For more information on Natural Gas STAR International, please directly contact Carey Bylin (bylin.carey@epa.gov) at +1-202-343-9669, or Roger Fernandez (fernandez.roger@epa.gov) at +1-202-343-9386.

The Methane to Markets Partnership is an international, multilateral initiative that focuses on advancing cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The Partnership now includes 20 Partner Countries and more than 600 Project Network Members.

For more information on U.S. activities in support of the Methane to Markets Partnership, please visit the EPA Methane to Markets Site.  A separate, independent Methane to Markets Web site provides comprehensive information on this international initiative.

Natural Gas STAR Program International presentation (PDF, 19 pp., 822 KB)