August 18, 2021

The following can be attributed to Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association:

“Unfortunately, as is often the case, misleading studies like this fail to recognize the truth that air quality continues to improve and emissions continue to decline due to industry’s continuous innovation. Protecting and improving the environment is of utmost importance to Texas oil and natural gas operators, and regulators have a documented record of holding accountable operators who are not in compliance. Statewide Rule 32 establishes clear parameters around what circumstances allow for flaring and is designed to minimize routine flaring. According to data from the EPA and EIA, methane emissions rates were down nearly 70% in five of the nation’s largest oil and natural gas producing regions between 2011 and 2019. Initiatives like the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition continue to commit to goals like ending routine flaring by 2030 and maintaining the cleanest air quality the U.S. has enjoyed in decades.”

+++