XTO Energy Calls for Methane Regulation
Statement by Ben Ratner, Director, EDF + Business, Environmental Defense Fund
(Washington, DC – February 5, 2018) XTO Energy, subsidiary of ExxonMobil and one of North America’s largest oil and gas producers, today called on governments to regulate and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, laying out a proposed framework for such regulations.
“XTO’s support for regulation is a step in the right direction. However, the proposed elements of a regulatory program fall short in several key respects, including the scope of emissions sources it would cover and the strength of the measures themselves. EDF looks forward to working with leading companies and other stakeholders to support methane regulations that build from and improve upon federal and state regulatory models and ensure that we are tapping all cost-effective solutions to comprehensively address oil and gas methane emissions.
“Responsible oil and gas producers must prepare for the future by minimizing methane emissions in their operations and supporting common-sense policies to level the playing field. XTO’s announcement rightly recognizes that government action is essential to address methane emissions across the entire industry.
“Today’s announcement stands in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to reverse federal protections that would achieve cost-effective methane reductions. In a dynamic energy landscape, where cleaner alternatives are increasingly competitive, the future role of natural gas is called into question by unchecked methane. Competitive companies are already using technology to reduce methane pollution and enhance efficiency as part of good operational practice and stewardship.”
- Ben Ratner, Director, EDF + Business, Environmental Defense Fund
“Responsible oil and gas producers must prepare for the future by minimizing methane emissions in their operations and supporting common-sense policies to level the playing field. XTO’s announcement rightly recognizes that government action is essential to address methane emissions across the entire industry.
“Today’s announcement stands in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to reverse federal protections that would achieve cost-effective methane reductions. In a dynamic energy landscape, where cleaner alternatives are increasingly competitive, the future role of natural gas is called into question by unchecked methane. Competitive companies are already using technology to reduce methane pollution and enhance efficiency as part of good operational practice and stewardship.”
- Ben Ratner, Director, EDF + Business, Environmental Defense Fund
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Media Contact
Stacy MacDiarmid
(512) 691-3439
Latest press releases
-
Trump Administration Issues Another Mandate to Extend Expensive, Polluting Michigan Coal Plant Past Retirement
August 21, 2025 -
Memo: New Polling Shows Zeldin Approval Collapse
August 21, 2025 -
EDF Experts Join Hundreds of Americans at Virtual Forum, “Vigorously” Oppose Trump EPA Attacks on Endangerment Finding, Clean Car and Truck Standards
August 20, 2025 -
California Agencies Submit Report to Governor, Outline Actions to Accelerate Clean, Affordable Vehicles
August 19, 2025 -
Extension of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Takes Encouraging Step Forward
August 19, 2025 -
Groups Ask Court to Block Trump EPA Rule That Delays Protections Against Oil and Gas Methane Pollution
August 18, 2025