Methane emissions in Texas have continued to decline despite near-record production levels, according to a new analysis by Texans for Natural Gas. The report highlights significant reductions in methane intensity, particularly in the Permian Basin, which is the top oil and natural gas producing region in both Texas and the United States.
The analysis found that the Permian Basin reached one of its lowest methane intensity levels this decade in 2023, at 0.49 metric tons per barrel of oil equivalent (MT/boe). Since 2011, methane intensity in the Permian has decreased by nearly 83 percent, even as total production increased by 482 percent over the same period.
Flaring intensity in the Permian Basin was also reported to be 65 percent lower than its peak in 2015. Although there was a slight increase in flaring intensity compared to 2022 due to factors such as record production levels and takeaway capacity constraints, overall emission reductions were maintained. Preliminary reports suggest that this increase was likely an anomaly, with estimates indicating a reduction of approximately 14 percent expected in 2024.
Statewide, Texas's flaring intensity declined by 47 percent since its peak in 2018. Total production has risen nearly 25 percent during this time frame, making 2023 the second-highest year on record for oil and natural gas production in Texas.
On a national level, the United States achieved record levels of oil and natural gas production in 2023, increasing nearly nine percent from the previous year while keeping flaring intensity near its lowest levels since 2012 at two meters cubed per barrel of oil (m3/bbl).
Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), commented on these findings: "Thanks to constant innovation and improvements in production processes as well as increased use of new technologies such as AI, the oil and natural gas industry is making incredible progress protecting the environment and bolstering our energy security."
Staples emphasized that producing essential resources while safeguarding the environment are not mutually exclusive goals: "This report further underscores this industry’s continued commitment to achieve both while also making us cleaner, stronger, and better."
The Permian Basin's contributions were significant as it provided roughly two-thirds of all U.S. natural gas production during a year when national output reached near-record highs.
Founded in 1919, TXOGA is recognized as Texas's oldest and largest oil and gas trade association representing various aspects of the industry.
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