Methane Abatement Initiative for Lowering Gas Emanations
The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has launched a comprehensive program called the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) with a funding of $1.36 billion. The primary goal of this program is to reduce methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil and gas sector, as well as non-GHG emissions such as volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants.
The initiative was announced by the Biden-Harris Administration on various occasions, starting from July 2023, with the intention to fund efforts to reduce methane emissions. On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy officially announced $850 Million to be allocated towards reducing methane pollution from the oil and gas sector.
The program targets emissions from oil and natural gas infrastructure in overburdened communities, aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all. The EPA is required to revise the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) subpart W regulations for the oil and gas sector as part of the program.
Additional resources for the MERP include the Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector, the Methane Mitigation Technologies Platform, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan (pdf), and the Global Methane Initiative (GMI). These resources provide valuable information about the program benefits, financial assistance, technical assistance, and changes to Subpart W.
In June 2024, the EPA and DOE announced $850 Million available to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas sector. Previously, on December 15, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $350 Million in funding to 14 states. On August 30, 2023, the Administration also announced the availability of $350 Million in grants to states.
The MERP offers multiple funding opportunities for reducing methane and other GHG emissions. On June 30, 2023, the EPA and DOE announced a partnership to provide more than $1 Billion to reduce methane emissions.
The program has identified upcoming events, including a public hearing on October 1, 2025, for the Proposed Reconsideration of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. On November 12, 2024, the EPA finalized a rule to reduce wasteful methane emissions and drive innovation in the oil and gas sector.
For media or press inquiries, please visit EPA's Media Contacts site for more information. To contact the MERP directly, send questions to merp@our website. To stay connected, sign up for the program's mailing list!
On July 6, 2023, the EPA proposed updates to greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements. On May 6, 2024, the EPA announced a final rule to strengthen and update greenhouse gas emissions reporting for the oil and gas sector. The EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) on November 4, 2022, seeking public comment on a set of non-regulatory dockets related to the MERP. The docket closed on January 18, 2023.
On June 21, 2024, the EPA and DOE announced $850 Million available to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas sector. On August 26, 2024, the EPA announced a Request for Information on the use of advanced technologies for quantification of methane in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
The MERP establishes a Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) for methane, aiming to encourage the reduction of methane emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier future. On February 9, 2024, the EPA and DOE announced their intent to fund projects to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sectors. On January 12, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a proposed rule to reduce wasteful methane emissions.
However, there is no available information in the search results about the person who signed the proposal for the reconsideration of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program on October 1, 2025.
Information about past events, including recordings and related materials, is available on the Financial and Technical Assistance, Waste Emissions Charge, and Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Subpart W webpages. For more details about the MERP, visit the official website.
