Following the introduction of regulatory requirements in 2020, British Columbia is on track to achieve its 2025 target of reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45% from 2014 levels, announced B.C.’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
The BC Energy Regulator has also amended three regulations under the Energy Resource Activities Act that take effect on January 1, 2025, and will apply to new and existing wells, facilities and pipelines throughout the province. The amendments aim to achieve B.C.’s 2030 target of a 75% reduction from 2014 levels, and put the province on the path to near-elimination of methane emissions by 2035.
The amended regulations take a risk-based approach to detecting methane leaks, meaning that high-risk sources will require continuous monitoring. Industry will also have to phase out methane-emitting equipment such as pneumatic devices and pumps, and install zero-emissions technology, the ministry announced.
The amendments evolved through research from the BC Methane Emissions Research Collaborative (MERC) and would place the province among the lowest emissions intensities of any jurisdiction in the world in terms of methane per unit of production.
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“Reducing methane emissions is essential to combating climate change and the increasing impacts we see each year,” announced B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman, in a statement. “By amending these regulations, we are ensuring that B.C. remains a leader in climate action, protecting our air and water, while addressing and lowering emissions from our industries.”
As a greenhouse gas, methane can have a climate impact at least 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Currently, the oil and gas industry is responsible for approximately 50% of industrial emissions and 20% of B.C.’s total emissions.
B.C. is also undertaking a two-year regulatory review to ensure it will achieve its 2030 target for reducing methane emissions. Officials said they want to ensure regulations align with best practices, such as requirements from other leading jurisdictions. The review is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
