Since 2004, EPA has collaborated with other U.S. agencies and departments on global efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations. Through the Global Methane Initiative (GMI)Exit, EPA has facilitated the construction of a framework, allowing the oil and natural gas industry the ability to apply EPA’s Natural Gas STAR principles abroad. Under the Natural Gas STAR International Program, EPA-supported activities have resulted in over 180 Bcf of cumulative methane emission reductions. 

EPA continues to support international methane reduction efforts in the oil and gas industry through GMI, as well as through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s (CCAC) Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP)Exit. EPA works with companies and other stakeholders through GMI’s Project Network to build capacity, develop strategies and markets, and remove barriers to methane mitigation project development.

OGMP is a voluntary international partnership to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions with a focus on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The objective of the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership is to help oil and gas companies find and minimize methane emissions in their operations and create a new global standard in methane emissions control. The Partnership provides credibility for emissions factors and cost-effective, risk-based programs for assessing and calculating methane emissions.