Royal Dutch Shell Raises Ambition to Drive Down Methane Emissions

Environmental Defense Fund statement from Ben Ratner, Senior Director, EDF+Business

September 17, 2018
Lauren Whittenberg, (512) 691-3437, lwhittenberg@edf.org
Stacy MacDiarmid, (512) 691-3439, smacdiarmid@edf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC) International oil and gas major Royal Dutch Shell today announced a strong, quantifiable target to limit methane emissions to near-zero levels by 2025 from managed assets globally. The goal is stringent, time-bound, and covers both oil and gas side emissions, earning it high marks on this 5-point scale. Shell is the third global producer this year to set a methane reduction goal; BP announced its target in April and ExxonMobil in May. “Shell’s industry-leading target makes clear that the race to near-zero methane emissions is on. Strong commitments like this suggest to investors, governments, and business partners alike that an operator is serious about its positioning in a cleaner energy economy.

“Company leadership on methane does not stop with setting targets. Follow through with good data and transparency are vital – as is leadership in standing up for strong, sensible methane policy that can improve performance across the industry.”

           ·  Ben Ratner, Senior Director, EDF+Business

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