This is pure speculation on my part, but I would think that flying drones that can detect methane leaks would be a cost-effective method to reduce accidental methane leaks.
The federal government could just set a reasonable limit that 90% of wells already meet and then require the industry monitor itself with the government merely spot-checking with its own drones to ensure the self-enforcement is being done.
Based on past experience, my guess is that the vast majority of methane leakage is coming from a small percentage of wells. And the producers have a strong incentive to close the leaks as they are losing product that they can sell for a profit. Producers may not even know that they have a leak, so that is valuable information for them.
You are correct, Michael. Many producers do use drones with FLIR cameras to find leaks. All producers want to find and stop leaks because they cause a loss of revenue. You are also correct that a small percentage of wells are responsible for leaks and those wells are the small producers, many of them crude oil wells that produce associated natural gas. EPA's requirements will put the small producers out of business which is exactly what EPA wants to accomplish. I presented testimony to the EPA on this exact subject in 2015 when Obama's EPA made almost the exact same proposals in the Clean Air Act. Great observations, Michael. Thanks, Ed
Such good stuff, Ed!
Thanks, Tom! Ed
This is pure speculation on my part, but I would think that flying drones that can detect methane leaks would be a cost-effective method to reduce accidental methane leaks.
The federal government could just set a reasonable limit that 90% of wells already meet and then require the industry monitor itself with the government merely spot-checking with its own drones to ensure the self-enforcement is being done.
Based on past experience, my guess is that the vast majority of methane leakage is coming from a small percentage of wells. And the producers have a strong incentive to close the leaks as they are losing product that they can sell for a profit. Producers may not even know that they have a leak, so that is valuable information for them.
You are correct, Michael. Many producers do use drones with FLIR cameras to find leaks. All producers want to find and stop leaks because they cause a loss of revenue. You are also correct that a small percentage of wells are responsible for leaks and those wells are the small producers, many of them crude oil wells that produce associated natural gas. EPA's requirements will put the small producers out of business which is exactly what EPA wants to accomplish. I presented testimony to the EPA on this exact subject in 2015 when Obama's EPA made almost the exact same proposals in the Clean Air Act. Great observations, Michael. Thanks, Ed