DOE and EPA Allocate $850 Million to Curb Methane Emissions in Oil and Gas Sector

Funding to Support Clean Air, Job Creation, and Climate Action Under Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Natural Energy News): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have opened applications for $850 million in federal funding aimed at reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. This funding is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, focusing on clean air, job creation, and climate action. Methane, a potent climate "super pollutant," is primarily emitted by oil and natural gas facilities, which are the nation's largest industrial source.

Key Details of the Funding Initiative

Scope and Impact:

• Emission Reduction: The funding aims to monitor, measure, quantify, and reduce methane emissions, contributing to an 80% reduction target from covered oil and gas facilities.
• Economic and Environmental Benefits: It will help mitigate air pollution, create jobs, reduce waste and inefficiencies, and support the transition to methane reduction technologies.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• Eligible Applicants: The funding opportunity is open to small oil and gas operators, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, Tribes, and state and local governments.
• Community Benefits Plans: Applicants must submit plans demonstrating engagement with and benefits to disadvantaged communities, aligning with the Justice40 Initiative.

Administration and Objectives:

• Technical and Financial Assistance: The Methane Emissions Reduction Program, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act, provides financial and technical support.
• Collaborative Partnerships: The initiative encourages partnerships among various stakeholders to enhance methane emission detection and measurement, ensuring consistent data nationwide.

Statements from Leaders

Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy: “We are taking steps now to drastically reduce harmful emissions from America’s largest source of industrial methane – the oil and gas sector. I am proud to partner with EPA to help revitalize energy communities and deliver long-lasting health and environmental benefits across the country.”

Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator: “Today, we’re building on strong standards and historic progress to cut methane pollution and protect communities across the country. These investments will drive the deployment of advanced technologies to better understand methane emissions, reduce harmful pollution, tackle the climate crisis, and create good-paying jobs.”

Key Objectives

1. Reduction of Methane Emissions: Utilize available technologies to monitor and mitigate emissions from oil and gas operations.
2. Repair and Deployment: Accelerate the repair of leaks and deploy early-commercial technology solutions.
3. Community Involvement: Improve community access to data and participation in monitoring efforts.
4. Enhanced Detection and Measurement: Establish collaborative partnerships to enhance emission detection and measurement on a regional scale.

Application and Deadline

• Deadline to Apply: August 26, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. ET.
• Application Submission: Applications must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. For technical assistance, contact support@grants.gov.

Conclusion

This funding opportunity represents a crucial step in reducing methane pollution, promoting public health, creating jobs, and advancing climate goals under President Biden's comprehensive climate action strategy. Interested entities are encouraged to apply and contribute to this significant environmental and economic initiative.

For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov.