Researchers Identified Major US Methane Emission Sources

A study revealed that methane emissions from oil and gas operations are significantly higher than official EPA figures.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Isometric editorial illustration of an industrial methane extraction pump, representing energy sector emissions data. — A study using 2025 satellite data found that methane emissions from US oil and gas operations are 64% higher than official EPA reports. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust that US industrial methane emissions are being accurately reported and regulated?

Researchers analyzed satellite imagery from January 2025 through June 2025 to locate 1,097 methane plumes across key US production basins. The findings suggest that actual industry methane emissions are 64% higher than currently reported to the EPA.

Why it matters

Identifying these emission sources provides a clearer picture of the environmental impact of the oil and gas sector. The discrepancy between detected plumes and official reports highlights challenges in accurately tracking industry-wide greenhouse gas releases.

Satellite analysis detected 1,097 methane plumes across basins producing two-thirds of US gas, with 75 plumes linked to Energy Transfer. An Energy Transfer facility near Shreveport, Louisiana, emerged as the largest source, emitting 1.56 tonnes per hour.

The players

Energy Transfer

This is a major midstream energy company that operates gas processing facilities across the United States.

Environmental Protection Agency

This federal agency is responsible for establishing the official regulatory thresholds for methane emissions.

The details

Using Tanager-1 satellite data, researchers pinpointed emissions in the Permian, Appalachian, and Haynesville-Bossier basins. Energy Transfer operated four of the 15 worst-performing sites identified during the study period.

The study analyzed oil and gas activity from January 2025 through June 2025.

Market Landscape

This study challenges the accuracy of self-reported emission data used under current EPA methane emission reporting standards. By providing independent satellite verification, it forces a reevaluation of how major midstream energy companies manage their environmental footprint.

For the average consumer, this data underscores the gap between industry claims and actual environmental performance. While there is no direct impact on gas prices today, the lack of current penalties for these releases may lead to increased pressure for stricter federal regulations.

The takeaway

Reliable satellite monitoring technology is becoming an essential tool for verifying industrial compliance with environmental standards. As transparency increases, companies may face greater pressure to upgrade infrastructure to curb accidental methane releases.