Methane Emissions from Unconventional Oil and Gas

Science

Sources of methane within the United States include all sources important on a global basis, but with larger fractions coming from anthropogenic activities.[1] The oil and gas industries and animal agriculture are estimated to be the two largest sources within the U.S., each accounting for approximately 25% of total emissions.[2] Wetlands, landfills, and coal mines are estimated to account for 23%, 15%, and 7% of emissions, respectively.[3] While significant uncertainty exists concerning the total U.S. emissions from each of these sources,[4] there exists confidence that cumulatively, anthropogenic activities represent a large fraction of U.S. emissions, and that each of these sources represents a significant contribution to U.S. emissions.[5]

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For more information, please contact the Guide Author, Ekrem Korkut, Research Assistant at The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law.  

Email: EZK137@psu.edu

The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

Penn State Law

The Pennsylvania State University

329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 118

University Park, PA 16803

Phone: (814) 865-4290

Fax: (814) 865-3851