Study warns of rise in greenhouse gas pollution from oil and gas firms by 2025

Oil, natural gas and petrochemical companies could release about 30 percent more greenhouse gas pollution by 2025 than they did in 2018, according to a new report. 

Expected growth from these companies could release about 227 million tons of additional greenhouse gas pollution by the end of 2025, with a projected total of 990.5 million tons of emissions, according to a report from the Environmental Integrity Project. 

In 2018, the companies reported emitting 764 million tons, the study said. 

It pointed in particular to possible increases from 157 projects that had not been operating by the end of 2018. 

It said the projects had the potential to increase emissions by up to 193.8 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. 

The report called for changes such as stronger emissions monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and stronger permits by the states and the EPA that “include cost-effective measures to minimize greenhouse gas pollution.”

“This glut of oil and gas is fueling growth in industries that release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, such as liquefied natural gas export terminals, plastics manufacturing and other petrochemical production,” the report said. 

“The U.S. is already struggling to meet climate commitments and transition to a low-carbon future. The industries responsible for driving fossil fuel extraction and production need to be held more fully accountable for their actions and the consequences of those actions,” it concluded. 

Spokespeople for the EPA did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.