Methane as a Greenhouse Gas
CCSP Research Highlight 1

EPA

EPA is working to better understand emissions and removals of methane as well as to assess and promote opportunities for cost-effective reductions.

EPA prepares national estimates of anthropogenic (human-related) emissions of methane on an annual basis. EPA also collects or, where unavailable, prepares estimates of international emissions levels. The emissions data are prepared and collected as part of "inventories", which quantify and track the recent historical trends in the emissions from different source categories. EPA also projects future emissions and analyzes technological options for reducing these emissions, and the costs associated with emission reductions.

U.S. industries along with state and local governments collaborate with EPA to implement several voluntary programs that promote profitable opportunities for reducing methane.  EPA recently launched its Methane to Markets Partnership which is an action-oriented initiative that will reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, promote energy security, improve the environment, and reduce greenhouse gases. Other benefits include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality.

The collective results of EPA’s voluntary methane partnership programs have been substantial. Methane emissions have dropped 10% below 1990 levels, in spite of economic growth.

For more information, see EPA's Methane Web pages.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2003, EPA 430-R-05-003 (Washington, DC, April 2005).