Mapping Methane in the Permian Basin

Methane is a potent greenhouse responsible for about 25% of current global warming, and the oil and gas sector is one of the largest sources of methane emissions. Methane is odorless and colorless – making it extremely hard to detect, so the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is spearheading an extensive research effort in the Permian Basin – the planet’s largest oilfield -- to learn how much methane is leaking from the region’s oil and gas facilities. Working with researchers from across the country, EDF is using a number of different technologies to measure and report on methane emissions. We’re making that data public so that companies and regulators can better understand the source of methane emissions and take action to address them. This video was developed to communicate the details of the project with the environmental community and to showcase the innovative tools and technologies we can use in order to reduce the climate impact of oil and gas production. Learn more at PermianMap.org.