Methane emissions into the atmosphere reached 7.5 million tonnes

US oil and gas producers have released 7.5 million tonnes of methane into the atmosphere over the last twelve months, enough to supply half of all US residential consumers. Methane is a greenhouse gas eight times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane emissions are linked to leaks in pipelines or processing infrastructures, gas flaring or the release of unburned gas in the absence of downstream processing or transport capacity. The figure of 7.5 million tonnes is four times higher than the estimates of US regulators. In 2026, producers will be liable to a fine of $1,500 per tonne of methane emitted.