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Climate Advocates Challenge Low-Emission Gas Certification in New Report

A new report reveals the fossil fuel industry's greenwashing by promoting natural gas as a low-carbon fuel through questionable certifications.
A drilling operation is surrounded by large noise dampening walls near Frederick, Colorado. Credit: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images

A new report by climate advocacy organizations claims that efforts by the fossil fuel industry to market natural gas as a low-carbon fuel amount to greenwashing.

Gas producers are increasingly seeking “gas certification” from third-party companies to label their products as clean. These companies monitor wells and other gas infrastructure for methane emissions.

However, the gas certification industry is unregulated, and the monitoring systems often fail to detect methane, according to a June 18 report by Oil Change International and Earthworks.

“Certified gas is a greenwashing scam,” said Dakota Raynes, a researcher with Earthworks and an author of the report. “There is not enough evidence that this gas is actually associated with lower methane emissions.”

Project Canary, a leading company offering low-methane certification, contested the findings, stating it does not certify any of the sites included in the report, which contains inaccuracies.

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, has a lower climate impact than coal or oil when burned but is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide if leaked into the atmosphere.

Project Canary and two other companies, Equitable Origin and MiQ, certify nearly 40 percent of U.S. gas production. Gas utility companies sell certified gas to ratepayers at a premium.

Arvind Ravikumar of the University of Texas at Austin noted that continuous monitors are effective in controlled settings but may not meet the same standards in the field.

The report analyzed 81 surveys by Earthworks of 38 oil and gas production sites using continuous monitoring equipment. Earthworks detected 23 pollution events with optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras.

Public record requests in Colorado revealed that, except for one event, gas certification companies did not detect the same pollution events identified by Earthworks.

Project Canary monitors missed 11 of 12 pollution events at their certified sites, and their monitors were down 26 percent of the time over 11 months. The company said its monitors were not meant to detect methane emissions but volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Colorado regulations require oil and gas producers to monitor new wells for “hydrocarbon emissions,” allowing flexibility in which pollutants they monitor.

Project Canary responded online, stating it detected seven of the events but was only required to report one to regulators.

A group of seven Democratic senators, led by Ed Markey, wrote to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, urging an investigation into deceptive environmental claims by fossil fuel producers and gas certification programs.

The senators noted that certified gas could mislead consumers into paying higher prices for a commodity that may not be as clean as claimed.

In a response to Senator Markey, Khan said the FTC is reviewing its “Green Guides” on environmental marketing claims.

Ravikumar emphasized the need for better sensor performance for effective gas certifications, warning against the pitfalls seen in the carbon offset market.

“Trust is crucial for certification,” he said. “Without it, certifications lose their value.”

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024