Large energy companies including Exxon, Shell, and BP have signed onto a pledge to reduce emissions of methane from natural gas production, part of an effort by the industry to show it is committed to combating climate change even as the Trump administration rolls back regulations forcing them to.
“Providing access to energy, while addressing global climate change, is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century,” the companies said in the “guiding principles” to their pledge, which they announced Wednesday. “Natural gas plays a major role in meeting global energy demand today. Since natural gas consists mainly of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, its part in the transition to a low-carbon future will be influenced by the extent to which the oil and gas industry reduces its methane emissions.”
