Subpart-W Finalized: EPA’s Updated GHG Reporting Rule is a Game Changer
On May 6th, 2024, the EPA finalized amendments to the Subpart-W methodology (petroleum and natural gas emissions sources) of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP).1 The revisions are intended primarily to address gaps in reporting, so that all methane emissions from applicable facilities are reported, by: Adding new emissions calculation methodologies Improving existing emissions calculation […]
Should we join OGMP 2.0?
With 130 oil and gas companies representing assets in 70 countries, OGMP 2.0 member companies now account for almost 40% of global oil and gas production and over 80% of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) flows. From 2022 to 2023, OGMP 2.0 saw 86% growth in participation, including some of the largest global oil and gas […]
The Methane Quantification Debate is a False Dichotomy and a Distraction
Introducing the Quantification Debate There is a debate raging in methane. A debate about the value of methane quantification. In the red corner, you have the quant-heads. Those designing, promoting, and implementing an emerging cacophony of company-specific quantification protocols and standards, often called “measurement-informed inventories”. They are obsessed with pinning down an ever-elusive truth, to […]
Why OGMP 2.0?
Why OGMP 2.0? 130 oil and gas companies with assets in over 70 countries. 38% of global oil and gas production. 80% of LNG flows. What is the common link? The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0). OGMP 2.0 is the United Nation’s (UN) flagship oil and gas methane reporting framework for […]
Analysis: Operators can expect significant exposure to public satellite methane data
The Rise of Public Satellite Methane Data In recent years, the rapid advancement of space-based remote sensing technology has ushered in a new era of environmental monitoring. Satellites are now equipped with methane sensing capabilities, and previously invisible methane emissions are under surveillance, particularly within the oil and gas industry. With new data comes new […]
Some Clarity on the Methane Waste Fee
In the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Congress tasked the EPA with developing a Waste Emissions Charge (WEC, i.e., waste methane fee) for the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) reporting year and onward. EPA responded to this mandate by releasing a detailed proposed rule on January 12, 2024. Here, we summarize the motivation for this […]
Regulatory Framework for Advanced Technology Deployment: Amendments to EPA Subpart OOOOb, Part 2
On December 2nd, EPA released the final form of the highly anticipated final methane rules, OOOOb and OOOOc, regulating emissions from oil and natural gas operations. Here, we focus on OOOOb’s finalized emission monitoring requirements and how alternative/advanced technologies can be used for various compliance pathways. This is part two of a two-part series. In […]
Highwood’s accomplishments in 2023 and ambitions for 2024
Our third full year in business was our best yet. Here’s a recap of all that we accomplished – and a glimpse into what we have planned for 2024. Business Milestones • Closed a USD 3.25m SEED round to build and scale a newly announced enterprise SaaS solution. The round was led by Energy […]
Methane Rule Comparison: United States (final) vs. Canada (draft)
Methane Rule Comparison: United States (final) vs. Canada (draft) A comparison of US EPA’s OOOOb/c and Canada’s ECCC methane rules for the oil and natural gas industry. New regulations? In December 2023, at COP28, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule expected to achieve methane reductions of 87% relative to 2005. […]
How the Super-Emitter Response Program Affects Operators: Amendments to EPA Subpart OOOOb, Part 1
How the Super-Emitter Response Program Affects Operators: Amendments to EPA Subpart OOOOb, Part 1 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now formally adopted, the methane rule (written in the federal…
