New footage confirms Canada needs stronger methane protections

VANCOUVER –  Newly released footage taken at oil and gas sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan reveal that methane is being intentionally and unintentionally emitted from Canada’s oil and gas-producing regions. 

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is fueling the climate crisis. 

The footage — commissioned by Clean Air Task Force and The David Suzuki Foundation —  was taken over a six-day period in July using a special infrared camera. It reveals methane escaping undetected from tanks, well pads, flare stacks and other oil and gas infrastructure. The field team that captured the footage visited 128 sites and documented methane emissions at every site.

The oil and gas industry is a major methane emitter and Canada has committed to reducing at least 75 per cent of oil and gas methane emissions by 2030. The Canadian government recently announced a series of improvements it will make to the national environmental regulations  to help solve the problem, including:  

• Require more frequent leak inspections
• Restrict flaring
• Replace high-emitting equipment with zero-emission alternatives
• Stronger enforcement of existing regulations
• Develop an advanced, more comprehensive emissions reporting framework.

Quotes:

“These images and videos of methane escaping from oil and gas equipment in Alberta and Saskatchewan show that the industry has a big emissions problem. Claims by the provinces and industry that they’re making great progress on tackling methane ring hollow when the potent gas was detected almost everywhere. This shows the urgency of translating the federal methane framework announced at COP27 into legally binding regulations.”

• Tom Green, Senior Climate Policy Adviser, David Suzuki Foundation

“We’re strongly encouraged by Canada's newly proposed framework for reducing methane. Cementing best practices like requiring more frequent leak inspections and accurate emissions reporting can help prevent methane pollution. Canada must follow through with strong regulations that standardize best practices for all oil and gas operations.” 

• Ari Pottens, Senior Campaign Manager for Canada, Environmental Defense Fund

“With the newly planned framework for regulating and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, Canada has positioned itself as a frontrunner for the most ambitious policy in the world. Reports of methane pollution in Alberta and Saskatchewan illustrate that much work remains. Developing comprehensive regulations will be critical to ensuring Canada’s emissions reductions match its ambition.”

• James Turitto, Campaign Manager for Methane Pollution Prevention, Clean Air Task Force