Flaring

In a proactive approach to work with New Mexico regulators to reduce the amount of natural gas flared when wells are drilled, a statewide industry coalition is recommending regulators update the rules and work hand-in-hand with operators to improve gas capture in the oilfields.

New measurements by atmospheric scientists in the most productive part of the Permian Basin indicate methane is escaping from oil and natural gas wells at around three times the nationwide rate.

New measurements by atmospheric scientists in the most productive part of the Permian Basin indicate methane is escaping from oil and natural gas wells at around three times the nationwide rate.

A Texas-size group of operators and trade associations on Tuesday launched a Lone Star effort to minimize flaring and methane emissions from the largest producing state in the nation.

A Texas-size group of operators and trade associations on Tuesday launched a Lone Star effort to minimize flaring and methane emissions from the largest producing state in the nation.

Accountability in the energy industry has become more critical than ever before, and operators have to deliver on what they promise, which includes improving the environment, according to Parsley Energy Inc. CEO Matt Gallagher.

The volume of waste natural gas that is flared or vented at the wellhead in the Permian Basin tripled between early 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2018 and has been range bound since then between 550 MMcf/d and 750 MMcf/d, “undoubtedly a very high volume,” according to analysts at Rystad Energy.

The volume of U.S. natural gas vented and flared reach a record high average of 1.28 Bcf/d in 2018, with Texas and North Dakota accounting for 82% of the total, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has been sued by pipeline giant Williams for routinely approving natural gas venting and flaring, which it claims violates state law.