Columbia Gas of PA Thursday joined Exelon/PECO Gas Utilities and UGI Utilities to be founding members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program.
The voluntary partnership program was launched at the Global Methane Forum in Washington, D.C.
Over the past five years, Columbia Gas has replaced more than 442 miles of aging pipe, which, in addition to other related investments, has improved safety and reliability while reducing methane emissions by approximately 74 million cubic feet.
Through its substantial capital investments, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania will continue to replace cast iron and bare steel pipelines with state-of-the-art protected steel and plastic. As part of its planned investments, Columbia Gas expects to further reduce methane emissions by more than 87 million cubic feet.
“Building a safer, more reliable, cleaner and affordable energy future is core to Columbia Gas’ sustainability goals and we’re proud to be a founding member alongside other industry leaders,” Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President Mark Kempic said. “Through the best management practices outlined in the Methane Challenge Program, we will further reduce emissions while improving safety and service for our customers and communities.”
The Methane Challenge Program is an integral part of the EPA’s ongoing commitment to address methane emissions and global climate change. The program provides a framework through which oil and gas companies can make and track commitments to reduce methane emissions.
The EPA noted that this new program has the capability to comprehensively and transparently reduce emissions and realize significant voluntary reductions in a quick, flexible, cost-effective way.
For more information, visit EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program webpage.
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