Researchers Found Higher Methane Emissions in New York City
A study revealed that incomplete combustion in buildings accounts for significant methane losses.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Environmental
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A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that methane emissions from natural gas in the New York City area are three times higher than previous estimates. Researchers determined that incomplete combustion in buildings is the primary source of these emissions, accounting for up to 94% of observed methane plumes.
Why it matters
The findings help reconcile discrepancies between predicted methane inventories and actual observed concentrations in the region. Understanding the true scale of methane leaks is critical due to the gas having 80 times the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide.
Researchers used second-by-second sampling of methane, ethane, and carbon monoxide at the Mineola Tower on Long Island to distinguish pipeline leaks from combustion. The study calculated that 1.7% of all gas delivered to the NYC metro area is lost.
The players
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
This is a scientific journal that publishes research regarding the Earth's atmosphere and the impact of chemical processes.
Mineola Tower
This facility is located on Long Island and serves as a site for air quality monitoring and atmospheric research.
The details
Data collected between January 2023 and December 2024 at the Mineola Tower shows that incomplete combustion remains a major source of methane even during summer cooling months. The researchers correlated these findings with total gas delivery data, estimating that $300 million worth of gas is wasted annually in the metro area.
Timeline
Hourly methane monitoring occurred at the Mineola Tower from January 2023 through December 2024.
Researchers conducted high-resolution, one-second gas sampling between May and August 2023.
A two-week period of intensive one-second gas sampling took place in February 2024.
Deeper Dive
The study updates the loss figures previously established by the NYC methane emission inventory by revealing a three-fold underestimation.
The study highlights that building-level combustion is a major source of methane, which could inform future energy efficiency standards for heating and cooling systems. Accurate accounting of these emissions is essential for meeting climate goals and reducing wasted energy costs.
The takeaway
The research suggests that addressing incomplete combustion within buildings is just as important as fixing pipeline leaks to reduce methane levels. Residents and building managers can look toward improved maintenance of gas-burning appliances to mitigate these emissions.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest air quality studies in the New York City Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Earth.
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