B.C. Needs a Stronger Methane Reduction Policy for the Oil and Gas Sector

Methane is a highly-potent greenhouse gas that’s 86 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide, and reducing methane emissions could be one of the fastest and cheapest ways to prevent climate collapse. To do that, the provincial government needs to act swiftly to strengthen its policy on methane.

Given the urgency of our climate crisis, British Columbia has every reason to commit to reaching near-zero methane from oil and gas by 2030 – rather than near-zero by 2035.

Methane emissions from oil and gas have historically been seriously undercounted, with severe consequences for the climate. That’s why B.C’s methane regulations must include transparent and verifiable monitoring and reporting requirements to measure progress, to ensure that companies are taking action.

Together, let's call on the provincial government to raise the bar on methane reduction commitments, and take clear and urgent action to save our climate.

Sign the petition telling the B.C. government to commit to near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

To: Government of British Columbia Click to see full petition text

Methane emissions have historically been seriously undercounted. A peer-reviewed study in Environmental Science and Technology in 2021 found that the B.C. oil and gas sector could be emitting more than twice the amount of methane previously reported.

With this in mind, B.C.’s methane regulations must include strong measurement, monitoring, and reporting requirements to evaluate progress and to ensure that companies are taking the appropriate actions. This includes:

• Monthly Leak Detection and Repair: Routine and high-frequency monthly Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs should be employed to rapidly detect and fix methane leaks. It’s well established that equipment leaks are unpredictable, showing the need for frequent inspections to identify and repair leaks. Currently B.C. regulations at best require “up to four times a year”.

• Eliminating Routine Venting and Flaring: Technologies that capture and reroute methane for use, rather than venting or flaring it, should be implemented — such as vapor recovery units and other gas capture systems that prevent methane release during normal and maintenance operations. Venting can sometimes occur due to faulty flaring equipment or unlit flares. In the absence of the infrastructure to flare, capture, use, and sell the gas to market, operators choose to deliberately and routinely vent gas.

• Switching to Low and Zero-Emission Technology: Transition to equipment that minimizes or eliminates methane leaks (such as low-bleed or zero-bleed pneumatic devices), including electrifying compressors and other equipment used on-site.

• Comprehensive Monitoring and Reporting: Advanced satellite, aerial, and ground-based monitoring systems can provide real-time methane tracking, allowing for better transparency and improved accuracy in emissions data. Consistent reporting helps track progress and ensures accountability.

• Uphold the Polluter Pay Principle: The oil and gas companies who are responsible for pollution must bear all the costs associated with preventing and managing it, including cleanup and compensation for damages. By ensuring that polluters are responsible for bearing the cost of implementing new methane regulations, we protect taxpayers and the public purse.

• Effective methane reductions would provide one of the fastest and lowest-cost methods towards ensuring near-term climate benefits. But, it’s critical that taxpayers are not responsible for bearing the cost of those delayed environmental protections. B.C. must uphold the polluter pays principle and its promise to end domestic public financing for fossil fuels.

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