Comparison of Large Permian Gas Producers’ Reported Flaring to Federal and State Regulators

Analysis comparing Permian Basin operators producing over 1 Bcf/d in 2021 revealed that while the reporting of production to federal and state regulatory bodies was relatively aligned, the reported flaring volumes varied widely.

Several factors could be contributing to this divergence, such as discrepancies in facility classification (production vs. gathering and boosting), underreporting of flaring (federal reported volumes higher on average), inaccuracies in reporting, human error, or other potential factors. This is a small example of potential inconsistencies in reporting between state and federal regulatory agencies.

Given the upcoming implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Waste Methane Emissions Charges (WMEC), these reporting inconsistencies may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny, audits, fines, and higher administrative burdens.

At ESG Dynamics, we specialize in helping operators navigate such challenges. Our expert team assists in conducting internal investigations to identify reporting gaps and inconsistencies. Reach out to us to learn about our Health Check and other Advisory Services.