Global Methane Initiative

Past Press Releases for the Global Methane Initiative

The press releases presented on this page highlight GMI announcements and activities from 2004 through 2012. Visit EPA's newsroom for current news releases that can be searched by topic (for example, Climate).

Many of the links provided within the press releases exit the site Exit

2012

Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Launched
(February 16, 2012)

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the launch of a new international initiative that will focus efforts on reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs). They were joined by environmental ministers and ambassadors from the other founding partners: Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, and Sweden,as well as the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The new "Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants" will focus on reducing SLCPs from multiple sources, including black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane.

2010

EPA Helps Launch Global Methane Initiative to Cut Greenhouse Gases
(1 October 2010)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mexico's Ministry of Environment along with thirty-six other countries, the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank launched a new Global Methane Initiative that urges stronger international action to address near-term climate change. The initiative expands on existing global efforts to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, while providing significant clean energy, human health, environmental and economic benefits. The United States pledged $50 million to the Global Methane Initiative over the next five years to support implementing methane emissions reduction projects and technologies. Government representatives issued a joint declaration that outlines the key decisions of today's meeting including the launch of the Global Methane Initiative.

Governments Meet in Mexico on Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Clean Energy
(15 September 2010)

Ministers commit to cooperation on methane reductions
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will join ministers from the Methane to Markets Partnership Partner countries in Mexico City on Oct. 1, to renew and expand cooperative efforts to reduce emissions of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. This meeting, co-hosted by Mexico’s Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT) and EPA, will celebrate the accomplishments of the Partnership, which include supporting over 300 methane emissions reduction projects around the world. The ministers are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strong global action on methane for an additional five years.

More Than 30 Countries Meet in India to Advance Clean Energy and Combat Climate Change
(3 March 2010)

Methane to Markets hosts the largest international forum promoting methane capture and use
The Methane to Markets Partnership Expo, the premier international forum for promoting methane capture and use project opportunities and technologies, is being held in New Delhi, India from March 2 - 5, 2010. Approximately 500 participants from over 30 countries, representing government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, are meeting in India to share expertise and develop strategies to advance cost-effective, near-term projects to reduce methane emissions. A high level plenary session on March 3rd features a keynote address from India’s Minister of Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh.

The Expo's "International Capture Marketplace" is showcasing over 150 methane capture and use projects and success stories which, if fully implemented, will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17.3 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMTCO2E).

EPA Issues Grant Solicitation for Projects Supporting the Methane to Markets Partnership
(8 January 2010)

EPA issued a request for proposals (RFP) to fund international projects and activities that advance methane capture and use in support of the Methane to Markets Partnership. The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is approximately $5 million. EPA expects to award up to 35 cooperative agreements through this announcement, ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $750,000. Applications for this solicitation are due by April 15, 2010 and the estimated project period for awards is from October 2010 for up to three years.

For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, see the Global Methane Initiative international website.

2009

Methane to Markets Partnership Publishes Report on First Five Years of Accomplishments

The international Methane to Markets Partnership (M2M) has published its first ever partnership-wide accomplishments report, including the activities of its 31 partner governments. The report was compiled and produced by the Methane to Markets Administrative Support Group housed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with participation from all 31 partner governments. Since the partnership began in 2004, it has grown from 14 to 31 members, collaborated on more than 170 projects, and is now achieving reductions of 27 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. The partnership has also held more than 80 events in 23 countries, generated $84 million in direct funding, and leveraged more than $350 million in private financing for capacity building and project development. The report also details M2M's future growth and events planned.

More than $3 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change through Methane to Markets Partnership Grants
(12 November 2009)

U.S. EPA is announcing the award of approximately $3.3 million to fund projects and activities that work to advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership in Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, and Russia. An additional $800,000 will be awarded in the coming weeks to support international methane reduction work in several of the countries listed above as well as in Chile and Ukraine. The award of this series of grants is the result of a December 2008 solicitation issued by EPA and provides significant new funding for methane capture and use projects and activities in the landfill, coal, agriculture, and oil & gas sectors, as well as cross-cutting projects. These assistance agreements are being awarded to support a variety of Partnership activities designed to remove technical or informational barriers to successful methane capture and use projects around the world. Funded projects include training and capacity building, development of databases and information clearinghouses for potential sites, feasibility studies, technology transfer, and project expositions.

For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, visit:

U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishments– Fourth Annual Report
(21 October 2009)

EPA released its fourth annual report showing the U.S. federal government's international leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

To date, the U.S. has provided approximately $40 million to support a wide range of projects and activities, including pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at potential project sites; continuing to address market, institutional, and other barriers to project development; and building capacity through technology transfer and training. U.S. investments have leveraged approximately $278 million in public and private sector contributions. These efforts will lead to the future implementation of full-scale projects in many Partner Countries, which, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 61 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2E). These projects are already delivering reductions of 26.7 MMTCO2E.

Bulgaria joins Methane to Markets and dates now set for 2010 New Delhi Expo
(27 May 2009)

Since the Partnership's founding in 2004, Methane to Markets has expanded to include 29 national governments, as well as the European Commission. The Partnership welcomed its newest member, Bulgaria, on May 11th. As the Partnership continues to grow, so does its potential annual methane emission reductions. The United States estimates that within 10 years, the Partnership has the potential to deliver estimated annual methane emission reductions of more than 180 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. The 2010 Partnership Expo will provide a vital forum for advancing this critical work.

U.S. EPA is also announcing the dates for the upcoming 2nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo which will be held March 2-5, 2010, in New Delhi, India. The U.S. EPA is co-hosting this major event along with the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Expo's "International Methane Capture Marketplace", is the premier international forum devoted to the promotion of project opportunities and technologies related to methane recovery and use. The call for presentations for this conference has just opened. The event will build on the success of the first Partnership Expo, held in Beijing, China in 2007, that attracted over 750 participants from 34 countries and will feature high-level speakers and technical training sessions. The 2010 India Expo will also include an International Methane Capture Marketplace, which will showcase potential capture and use projects from Partner countries around the world.

2008

EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership
(22 December 2008)

EPA's Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for initial proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.

The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is up to $7 million. EPA expects to award up to forty cooperative agreements through this announcement, ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $700,000.

EPA seeks proposals from organizations including international governments, not-for-profit organizations, states, local governments, and universities. Successful proposals will promote project development internationally. The estimated project period for awards is September 2008 through September 2011.

U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishments –Third Annual Report

EPA released its third annual report showing the U.S. federal government's international leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership.

To date, the U.S. has provided over $28.5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. U.S. investments have leveraged over $271 million in public and private sector contributions. This year the U.S. has continued to emphasize supporting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at potential project sites, while continuing to address market, institutional, and other barriers to project development and building capacity through technology transfer and training. These efforts are directly leading to the future implementation of full-scale projects in many Partner Countries, which, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 24 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is nearly triples the results from activities undertaken in 2006.

The U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishment report summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Clearinghouse Opens Doors to Methane Reductions in India
(17 November 2008)

The Methane to Markets program helped India open the doors to a Coal Mine/Coalbed Methane (CMM/CBM) Clearinghouse, or information center, that will support methane emission reductions and aid in the global fight against climate change. The CMM/CBM Clearinghouse is the first of its kind in India and will be instrumental in facilitating the development of methane recovery and use projects. The Clearinghouse, located at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi, will be the initial point of contact for domestic and international investors interested in the development of coalbed and coal mine methane projects in India. It will also help develop and promote the CMM/CBM market by providing information on technical, economic, financial, and policy issues to potential investors and service providers.

$4.5 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants
(9 October 2008)

U.S. EPA is announcing the award of approximately $4 million to fund projects and activities that work to advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership in Argentina, Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Poland, Thailand, and Ukraine. The award of this series of grants is the result of a December 2007 solicitation issued by EPA and provides significant new funding for methane capture and use projects and activities in the landfill, coal, agriculture and oil & gas sectors. These assistance agreements are being awarded to support a variety of Partnership activities designed to remove technical or informational barriers to successful methane capture and use projects around the world. Funded projects include training and capacity building, development of databases and information clearinghouses for potential sites, feasibility studies, technology transfer, and project expositions.

2007

EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership
(6 December 2007)

EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for initial proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.

The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is up to $7 million. EPA expects to award up to 40 cooperative agreements through this announcement, ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $700,000.

EPA seeks proposals from organizations including international governments, not-for-profit organizations, states, local governments, and universities. Successful proposals will promote project development internationally. The estimated project period for awards is September 2008 through September 2011.

Proposals are due by February 22, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EST. All proposals, however transmitted, must be received by EPA or through grants.gov (RFP number EPA-OAR-CCD-08-01) by the closing date and time to receive consideration.

Methane to Markets Partnership Expo Advances 91 New Projects at First International "Methane Capture Marketplace"
(31 October 2007)

The Methane to Markets Partnership Expo, the premier international forum for promoting methane recovery-and-use project opportunities and technologies, was held in Beijing, China from October 30 to November 1, 2007. Over 700 participants from 34 countries–representing government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations–shared expertise and developed strategies to advance cost-effective, near-term projects to reduce methane emissions. The Expo celebrated the third anniversary of the Methane to Markets Partnership.

The Expo's "International Methane Capture Marketplace" was the first international forum devoted entirely to methane project opportunities and technologies. The event showcased 91 potential projects in multiple sectors which, if fully implemented, are estimated to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 11.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMTCO2E) by 2015.

Methane to Markets Partnership Expo: Beijing, China
(30 October - 1 November 2007)

The Methane to Markets Expo will mark the three-year anniversary of the Partnership's launch. The Expo will be the premier international forum for promoting project opportunities and technologies for methane recovery and use in each of the four Methane to Markets sectors: agriculture, coal mining, landfills, and oil and gas systems. The Expo's "International Methane Capture Marketplace" will catalyze new projects by bringing together international projects in search of financing with potential investors and technology partners. As many as 20 potential new projects are expected to be highlighted at the conference.

U.S. EPA and China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will co-host the Expo, in cooperation with several key Chinese ministries and corporations. Additionally, an array of international organizations will participate in the Expo as organizing sponsors.

The Expo will be held in Beijing's China World hotel and up to 600 participants are anticipated from the public and private sector from countries spanning the globe. They will hear from key Chinese Ministers and public and private sector speakers on the importance of capturing and using methane as a greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Key policy and technical workshops and a business leadership roundtable will provide even more detail on how Methane projects yield economic, environmental and safety benefits that can be multiplied globally through increased use of existing technologies.

U.S. Government Accomplishments Report in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership
(2 October 2007)

EPA released its annual report showing the U.S. federal government's leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership.

To date, the U.S. has provided over $18 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. U.S. investments have leveraged over $261 million in public and private sector contributions. This year the U.S. has put greater emphasis on supporting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at potential project sites, while continuing to address market, institutional, and other barriers to project development and building capacity through technology transfer and training. These efforts are directly leading to the future implementation of full-scale projects in many Partner Countries, which, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 9 MMTCO2E. This is nearly double the results from activities undertaken in 2005.

The U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership report summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

International Landfill Database
(26 September 2007)

The Methane to Markets International Landfill Database was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program. The database serves as a Web-based, voluntary data repository to promote the development of landfill gas energy projects. The application is being launched for data entry and we anticipate increasing amounts of landfill information in the upcoming months. The success of this database relies on Methane to Markets Partner Countries, Project Network members, and affiliates entering landfill-specific data. The database can be used to identify suitable landfills for landfill gas to energy project evaluation.

Content and Functionality

The International Landfill Database has the capability to store the following types of landfill data: general location and contact information, landfill physical characteristics, gas collection system characteristics, waste characteristics, landfill operations, and additional information and comments.

The International Landfill Database can be queried by country, city, or landfill name. In addition to these queries, users are encouraged to enter new landfills in the database.

Access

Access to the International Landfill Database is open to the general public, however a user name and password are required to enter or modify data in the database. Users can create a user name and password with a valid e-mail address.

$2 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants
(18 September 2007)

EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership is announcing the award of $2 million for projects and activities that will advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Ukraine. These assistance agreements to governments, universities, laboratories, and nonprofit institutions are being awarded as the result of an October 2006 solicitation issued by EPA. An additional $1 million in grants are expected to support international methane reduction work in the countries listed above as well as in Colombia, Ecuador, and Vietnam.

Funded projects include training and capacity building, development of databases and information clearinghouses for potential sites, feasibility studies, technology transfer, and project expositions. More detailed information on the recipients’ projects will be posted soon.

EPA launches Coal Mine Methane projects database
(18 June 2007)

The International Coal Mine Methane Projects Database contains information on over two hundred coal mine methane recovery and utilization projects operating, in development, or planned around the world in both Methane to Markets partner and non-partner countries.

Methane to Markets Three-sector Workshop in India
(22-23 February 2007)

On February 22nd and 23rd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Government of India jointly organized a two-day workshop on the Methane to Markets Partnership and methane recovery and use project opportunities in India. The workshop provided an introduction to the Partnership and specific technical and project level discussions in three industry sectors: coal mining, landfills, and oil and natural gas.

The meeting was held at FICCI's building in Delhi and attracted more than 100 participants. Presentations were given by a diverse set of speakers from government, academia and the private sector. The workshop featured three separate technical workshops (focused on coal, landfills, and oil & gas sectors) along with an opening plenary session with keynote speakers from the nodal Indian Ministries, the U.S. Embassy and from the USEPA.

The Indian Minister of Environment, Dr. Prodipto Ghosh, headlined the plenary session and provided an overview on why methane reductions in India are important and how the Methane to Markets Partnership can contribute. FICCI will be developing an action plan based on a facilitated discussion that was held in each sector session in order to use the momentum from this workshop to push forward on project development in India in the three targeted sectors. There was also discussion of launching an initiative in the animal waste management sector.

2006

U.S. EPA and India Establish Coal Mine/Coalbed Methane Information Clearinghouse
(16 November 2006)

Representatives of U.S. EPA and the Indian government signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Coalbed Methane/Coal Mine Methane (CBM/CMM) Clearinghouse (or "information center") in India. The Clearinghouse will be instrumental in facilitating the development of projects under the international Methane to Markets Partnership, of which India and the U.S. are Partners.

The India CBM/CMM Clearinghouse will be a leading information source about coalbed methane and coal mine methane project opportunities in India. It will be the initial point of contact for domestic and international investors, and will promote the development of CBM/CMM projects in India. U.S. support will ensure methane emissions reductions and long-term sustainability with the world's third largest coal producer.

U.S. Reports Economic, Energy and Environmental Benefits from Methane to Markets Partnership
(7 November 2006)

U.S. EPA released a report showing the U.S. federal government’s leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership. To date, the U.S. has provided over $5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. More importantly, U.S. investments have leveraged over $235 million in public and private sector contributions.

The U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by U.S. EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

U.S. EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership
(11 October 2006)

U.S. EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is $2,500,000. U.S. EPA expects to award up to twenty cooperative agreements through this announcement, at $25,000 to $300,000 per award.

U.S. EPA sought proposals from international governments—as well as not-for-profit organizations—that will promote project development internationally with a special focus on activities in the following Methane to Markets Partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Ukraine. The estimated project period for awards is May 2007 through May 2009.

Natural Gas STAR International launched: A U.S. government program to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(26 September 2006)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) officially introduced its new Natural Gas STAR International Program at a ceremony, in which the agency recognized charter partners from the oil and gas industry for their commitment to environmental protection and energy security. This partnership supports the international Methane to Markets Partnership and complements the existing suite of successful U.S. international climate change programs.

The Natural Gas STAR International Program is a partnership program between U.S. EPA and the oil and gas industry that will identify and implement projects to cost-effectively reduce methane emissions worldwide. Charter partners participating in today’s ceremony included ConocoPhillips Canada, Devon Energy Corporation, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and TransCanada. This event was held during a major conference co-sponsored by U.S. EPA, the Methane to Markets Partnership, and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA).

U.S., China Collaborate on Largest Coal Mine Methane Gas Power Plant in the World
(18 May 2006)

Today at a signing ceremony in Beijing, U.S.-based engine manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc. was awarded a $58-million dollar contract to supply all the power generation equipment for the world’s largest power plant fueled by coal mine methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can be used as a clean energy source.

The power plant will produce 120 megawatts of electricity from coalbed and coal mine methane from the Sihe mine, in addition to exhaust gas heat that will be recovered to produce usable hot water and steam for the mining operations.

Once the project has been completed, an estimated 40 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions will be avoided over a 20-year period. This is equal to emissions from one million cars annually.

This project is the result of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors through the Methane to Markets Partnership, a U.S.-led initiative that now includes 17 Partner countries. The Partnership was launched in November 2004 to advance cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a source of clean energy.

United States and Mexico Pledge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(24 March 2006)

U.S. EPA, USAID, and the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) took a concrete step towards the implementation of methane utilization projects in Mexico today. At a ceremony presided over by U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock, USAID Acting Administrator Frederick Schieck, and SEMARNAT Undersecretary José Ramón Ardavín Ituarte, the three agencies signed a Letter of Cooperation stating their commitment to collaborate on Methane to Markets activities in Mexico. The United States and Mexico are two of the 17 countries currently participating in the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international initiative launched in November 2004 to advance cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a source of clean energy.

Under the terms of today's letter of cooperation, U.S. EPA, USAID, and SEMARNAT will work together to further the Partnership's mission by sharing and expanding the use of technologies to recover and use methane gas currently released from natural gas and oil systems, landfills, underground coal mines, and agricultural operations. Methane is an important greenhouse gas, 23 times as effective as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere. Reducing methane emissions improves the environment while also enhancing public health and promoting economic growth.

India Moves from Landfill Gas to Clean Energy
(17 March 2006)

As the third largest methane-emitting country in the world, India is working to develop clean energy sources that can yield substantial economic, environmental and health benefits for its citizens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are partnering with stakeholders from India’s solid waste industry, finance community, and national government to capture and reuse landfill methane gas under U.S. EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership.

Methane emissions from the solid waste sector in India are projected to increase significantly over the next 15 years. Reusing landfill methane gas for energy purposes has the potential to mitigate 5.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the annual emissions from one million vehicles. Currently, there are no operational landfill gas-to-energy projects in India but several large sites in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities could support the clean energy projects.

U.S. EPA will collaborate with India to advance project development through technical assistance, technology transfer opportunities, pre-feasibility studies, and demonstration projects. The program will help promote clean energy, energy security, improved public health, and economic opportunities.

2005

U.S., International Partners Pledge Faster Greenhouse Gas Reductions with Methane Program
(7 November 2005)

United States government officials and their counterparts in 16 countries committed to accelerated action to recover and use methane as a clean energy source at the second annual Methane to Markets Partnership meeting. Key actions include the addition of Ecuador as the 17th member of the partnership and a commitment from the partners to increase participating countries and the number of projects worldwide.

2004

13 Countries Join United States in Launching Methane to Markets Partnership
(16 November 2004)

EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt is joining representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom today in signing a Terms of Reference formally creating the Methane to Markets Partnership. This new global initiative serves to advance international cooperation on the recovery and use of methane as a valuable clean energy source. Methane to Markets has the potential to reduce net methane emissions by up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually by 2015 and continue at that level or higher in the future. This would be the carbon equivalent of removing 33 million cars from roadways for one year or eliminating emissions from 50 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants.

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