Methane

Methane—the primary component of unprocessed natural gas—is routinely vented, flared, or leaked due to weak oversight and poor management of oil and gas operations. These losses deprive consumers of usable energy, reduce royalty payments owed on federal lands, and increase taxpayer costs related to climate change. Each year, billions of cubic feet of methane are lost on public lands—much of it royalty-free—costing taxpayers millions in lost revenue. Beyond the fiscal impact, methane waste imposes long-term environmental and public health costs, leaving local communities with lasting liabilities. Reducing methane waste is a commonsense step to protect taxpayers, consumers, and public health.