Chesapeake Energy Corp. plans to direct 85% of its capital spending in 2022 to the “highest return opportunities” in the Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Marcellus shales, as it bears down on sharply reducing methane intensity across the board.

CEO Nick Dell’Osso, who took the helm of the Oklahoma City-based independent last month, led a conference call to discuss third quarter performance. The former long-time CFO also took considerable time to outline a trove of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives to expand the rapid transition to produce responsibly sourced gas (RSG). 

With the takeover of gassy Haynesville powerhouse Vine Energy Inc. complete, Chesapeake is now ready to increase production responsibly, with a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2035,...