On July 28, 2004, USEPA Administrator announced that the United States will join efforts with Australia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom and Ukraine to develop and promote cooperation on the recovery and use of methane.  This program will be officially launched in November 15-17, 2004 at a Ministerial Conference in Washington D.C. 

The goal of this Partnership is to significantly reduce global methane emissions and, at the same time, enhance economic growth, promote energy security and improve the environment.  The Partnership will target landfills, underground coal mines and natural gas and oil systems. 

Methane accounts for 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities, second to carbon monoxide.  Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is a clean burning energy source.  Significantly reducing methane emissions is one of the most cost effective ways to realize immediate environmental benefits due to methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas and short atmospheric life.  The partnership has the potential to reduce net methane emissions by up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent by 2015.  This is equivalent to removing 33 million cars from roadways for 1 year, planting 55 million acres of trees, or eliminating 50 500-MW (1,700 MMBtu/hr) coal-fired power plants. 

  Author: Kimberly D. Coy

  Date: 7/28/04

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