Publication - May 8, 2018 - By Maximilian Kniewasser

Stronger action to reduce methane pollution from British Columbia’s natural gas sector and prospective liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry is essential to meeting B.C.’s climate targets.

Methane emissions represent one of the most effective and cost-efficient opportunities to reduce carbon pollution in support of meeting climate targets for B.C.’s industrial sector. Current regulations to reduce methane emissions by 45% are estimated to cost just $1.70/t-CO 2 e. This suggests more cost-effective opportunities remain.

More ambitious regulations are already in place in several U.S. states that essentially eliminate venting from routine operations across the gas supply chain.

Fulfilling the B.C. government’s commitment to balance LNG development with B.C.’s climate targets will require increasing ambition on methane emissions. Ambition should reflect best practices and the government’s commitment to price fugitive emissions.

The Pembina Institute wishes to thank the Real Estate Foundation of B.C., Sitka Foundation, and North Growth Foundation for their generous support of our work.