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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Methane
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Photo collage of major methane emission sources (oil and natural gas systems, coal mining, landfills, agriculture) and utilization options (i.e., fuel combustion)
 
New Methane to Markets Partnership
The Partnership will reduce global methane emissions, initially focusing on cost-effective, near-term methane recovery from three major methane sources: landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems. This month, representa- tives from 13 countries and the U.S. are gathering at the first Ministerial Meeting of the Partnership in Washington, D.C.
 

Methane is one of several non-CO2 gases that contribute to global climate change. To learn more about these gases and what EPA is doing to reduce their impact, visit our Non-CO2 Gases page.

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period and is emitted from a variety of natural and human-influenced sources. Human-influenced sources include landfills, natural gas and petroleum systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial process.

Methane is also a primary constituent of natural gas and an important energy source. As a result, efforts to prevent or utilize methane emissions can provide significant energy, economic and environmental benefits. In the United States, many companies are working with EPA in voluntary efforts to reduce emissions by implementing cost-effective management methods and technologies.

The following links provide more information on methane and EPA's related activities:

  • Science:
    Find out more about methane's role as a greenhouse gas.
  • Sources and Emissions:
    Find out more about the sources of methane and current emission levels.
  • Projections and Mitigation Costs:
    Find projections of future methane emissions and the costs associated with reducing those emissions.
  • Voluntary Programs:
    Learn more about EPA's voluntary programs to reduce methane emissions.
  • Other Non-CO2 Gases:
    Learn more about the science, emissions, and reduction opportunities for other non-CO2 greenhouse gases.
 
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