This training provides an overview of the oil and natural gas industry, from the main types of deposits and wells to the different segments within the sector. This training also discusses some of the key methane emission sources in the oil and gas industry, available technologies to reduce emissions, and the positive outcomes of capturing and using methane. The training was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in support of voluntary activities to reduce methane emissions under the U.S. EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program and the Global Methane Initiative (GMI).

View the Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Industry Course.

Course Topics

BACKGROUND ON METHANE

• What is methane?
• Where does methane come from?
• Which sectors are emitting the most methane in the United States?
• Why is it important to reduce methane emissions?

OVERVIEW OF THE OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY

• What are the main types of oil and natural gas reservoirs?
• What is an oil and gas field?
• Where are the oil and gas systems in the U.S.?
• What are the basic types of oil and natural gas wells?
• How is the supply chain of the oil and natural gas industry organized?

METHANE EMISSION SOURCES FROM THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

• How is methane released from oil and gas operations?
• What are the top emission sources?
• What are some of the options for mitigating methane emissions?
• What are the positive outcomes of capturing and using methane?
• What methane mitigation technologies are available?