The most significant question today concerns “fugitive” methane emissions—basically, natural gas leaking from equipment or pipelines—which is not limited to shale. The Environmental Defense Fund was among those at the forefront in directing attention to methane as a significant greenhouse gas. Reducing those emissions is now a priority for both regulators and industry and a particular focus of the thirteen-company Oil and Gas Climate Initiative. Moreover, the International Energy Agency notes, “Methane is a valuable product and in many cases can be sold if it is captured.”
