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U.S. Stimulates Global Market for Methane Recovery and Use as Fuel - The Way to Go Clean, Green and Fight Climate Change

Release Date: 12/01/2008
Contact Information: Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-4355 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. – Dec. 1, 2008) International leadership by the United States to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is highlighted in the third annual Methane to Markets (M2M) partnership report. Current U.S. supported M2M projects, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 24 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, tripling the reductions achieved in 2006. M2M reduces greenhouse gas emissions by recovering methane (also a primary component of natural gas) from agricultural waste, coal mines, landfills, and oil and gas systems and using it as clean energy.

The “U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership” report summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities since the partnership began in November 2004. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Through 2007, the U.S. has provided about $28.5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. In addition, American activities and investments have leveraged more than $271 million in public and private sector contributions.

Methane to Markets, launched in 2004, is a public/private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, while providing clean energy to markets around the world. The partnership has grown to include 27 partner governments and more than 800 private sector entities, financial institutions, nongovernmental agencies and other organizations.

More information on the accomplishments report: http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/accompreport.htm