Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
have the technology to deliver emissions reductions that benefit both our
economy
and
the
environment.
To
achieve
additional
progress,
the
Administration will:
Developing an Interagency Methane Strategy:
The Environmental
Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture, Energy,
Interior, Labor, and Transportation will develop a comprehensive,
interagency methane strategy. The group will focus on assessing
current emissions data, addressing data gaps, identifying technologies
and best practices for reducing emissions, and identifying existing
authorities and incentive-based opportunities to reduce methane
emissions.
Pursuing a Collaborative Approach to Reducing Emissions:
Across
the economy, there are multiple sectors in which methane emissions
can be reduced, from coal mines and landfills to agriculture and oil and
gas development. For example, in the agricultural sector, over the last
three years, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department
of Agriculture have worked with the dairy industry to increase the
adoption of methane digesters through loans, incentives, and other
assistance. In addition, when it comes to the oil and gas sector,
investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more
Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic
productivity. For example, as part of the Administration's effort to
improve federal permitting for infrastructure projects, the interagency
Bakken Federal Executive Group is working with industry, as well as
state and tribal agencies, to advance the production of oil and gas in
the Bakken while helping to reduce venting and flaring. Moving
forward, as part of the effort to develop an interagency methane
strategy, the Obama Administration will work collaboratively with
state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce emissions
across multiple sectors, improve air quality, and achieve public health
and economic benefits.
Preserving the Role of Forests in Mitigating Climate Change:
America's
forests play a critical role in addressing carbon pollution, removing nearly 12
percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions each year. In the face of a
changing climate and increased risk of wildfire, drought, and pests, the
capacity of our forests to absorb carbon is diminishing. Pressures to develop
forest lands for urban or agricultural uses also contribute to the decline of
