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Welcome to the

Permian methane analysis project

The Permian Methane Analysis Project (PermianMAP) combined established data collection methods with state-of-the-art technologies to pinpoint, measure and report on oil and gas methane emissions in the Permian Basin.We shared this data with the public so companies and government officials can take swift action to improve performance.Read the final summary report.
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Low-producing “marginal wells” (wells that produce less than 15 barrels of oil a day) are responsible for half of the Permian Basin’s well pad emissions, ¾ of these are owned by major corporations.
Permian emissions are over twice as high as any other oil and gas basin, according to satellite measurements.

The Permian Basin is the largest oil field on the planet

Tens of thousands of wells and burning flares cover this 86,000-square-mile landscape that spans West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico.

Spotting the vast development is easy.
Malfunctioning flares are wasting gas and creating methane emissions.

WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE

are the invisible plumes of methane pollution escaping from these facilities.

A GLARING PROBLEM

Satellite data reveals the Permian Basin is the Nation's highest methane-emitting oil and gas basin.
Visualization of methane measured by the TROPOMI satellite and published in the journal Science Advances.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Natural Gas is made of methane. Human-caused sources of methane, a potent climate pollutant, are responsible for at least 25% of the warming we feel today. Methane is often emitted with other harmful chemicals that increase air pollution and cause health problems. But because methane is colorless and odorless, it often goes undetected.
13 MILL
Tons of methane emitted each year.

A study from the Journal Science estimates the U.S. oil and gas industry emits about 13 million tons of methane a year because of normal and abnormal operating conditions. That’s enough gas to meet the annual household needs of 10 million homes. A recent report from the International Energy Agency says global oil and gas methane emissions may rise despite the dip in oil and gas demand, as both producers and regulators scale back staffing and oversight – leaving more leaks unnoticed and unrepaired.

The Permian Basin also has a flaring problem. Oil and gas companies often burn away the gas associated with oil production. Flaring natural gas wastes energy, worsens air quality and increases light pollution. Since 2013 operators in Texas have burned off roughly a trillion cubic feet of natural gas — enough to meet the yearly needs of every Texas home three times over.

$2.6 MILL
Worth of natural gas burned off daily.

WHAT WE'RE FINDING

Initial ground and aerial surveys conducted in the Permian Basin reveal methane escaping at a rate three times higher than the national average.
11%
Flares surveyed were not operating properly.

Subsequent satellite measurements published in the journal Science Advances confirmed the Permian is emitting more methane than any other basin in the country.

Flaring – the practice of burning away excess gas – also appears to be one of the largest sources of the region’s methane emissions.

We surveyed hundreds of flare stacks across the basin, finding that at least one out of 10 flares were either unlit – venting uncombusted methane straight into the air – or inefficiently burning only part of the gas they were releasing.

Learn more about our flaring survey

The methane data we’re collecting will be updated periodically to generate a never-before-seen view of the region’s emissions that can help inform mitigation.

3X
higher emissions than the national average.

HOW TO FIX IT

Even at today’s historically low oil and gas prices, there are many low-cost and proven ways to keep methane in the system.

In some cases, these fixes are as easy as tightening loose valves and repairing leaky equipment found while conducting routine inspections. Frequent leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs that use infrared drones and cameras to locate leaks are among the most cost-effective strategies to consider and can reduce a significant portion of Permian oil and gas methane emissions.

Operators should also address the root causes of emissions. For example, designing systems to eliminate routine flaring or venting, or replacing high-emitting pneumatics with low or no-emitting technologies can reduce future emissions. Several oil and gas companies are already making bold commitments and implementing solutions to reduce emissions. Learn more about effective methane management:

Ultimately, one of the most effective solutions to minimize methane emissions is strong, comprehensive regulation. Companies can advocate for effective methane regulation at the state and federal levels.

STAY INFORMEDSign Up to receive updates about PermianMAP or
email PermianMap@edf.org with questions.
PermianMAP is an initiative of Environmental Defense Fund, a leading international nonprofit organization. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems.

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CONTACT

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Austin, TX 78701