The EPA has been partnering with oil and gas companies to reduce methane emissions for more than 20 years. Created in collaboration with the industry, EPA’s oil and gas partnerships serve as a credible and trusted resource for oil and natural gas companies interested in reducing methane emissions. By participating in these programs, partner companies reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, increase operational efficiency, and capture and monetize this valuable energy resource while also driving innovation and building a lasting record of their accomplishments and best practice leadership.

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Natural Gas STAR Program

Working collaboratively with the U.S. oil and natural gas industry since 1993, Natural Gas STAR provides a framework for partner companies to implement methane reducing technologies and practices and document their voluntary emission reduction activities. Through this work, the oil and natural gas industry has pioneered some of the most widely-used, innovative technologies and practices that reduce methane emissions. Learn more about the Natural Gas STAR Program.

Natural Gas STAR International

Under the Global Methane InitiativeExit, EPA launched Natural Gas STAR International in 2006 to build on the successes of the domestic program. This global partnership with oil and natural gas companies expanded the Natural Gas STAR Program and significantly increases opportunities to reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations worldwide. Learn more about the Natural Gas STAR International Program.

Methane Challenge Program

EPA launched the Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program with 41 founding partners at the Global Methane Forum on March 30, 2016 in Washington, D.C. and announced the founding partners of the ONE Future Commitment Option on October 28, 2016.  The Methane Challenge Program provides a new mechanism through which U.S. oil and gas companies can make and track ambitious commitments to reduce methane emissions. Partners commit to implementing, within five years, best management practices across their operations for chosen sources, and transparently report their actions to reduce methane emissions. Learn more about the Methane Challenge Program.