As the energy hub and largest oil and gas producer in the U.S., Texas has the biggest opportunity to innovate and further grow the methane mitigation industry to its own benefit. By continuing to invest in methane mitigation, operators across the state can stay on the cutting edge while simultaneously boosting profits. 

Recent industry analysis shows Texas has the highest number of employee locations at 291, over triple the number of the next highest state, with California clocking in at 87. It accounts for 28 percent of the industry’s employee locations. Despite its staggering volume and growth, rising demand for lower emission-intensity energy leaves only more room to grow in reducing emissions and waste that continue to be too high.

This is an especially important bright spot considering the fact that jobs in the industry are declining as technologies improve and operations become more automated.

Capturing product otherwise wasted can boost operators’ bottom line and ensure a fair return for royalty owners and taxpayers. In 2023, operators released an astounding 5.9 million metric tons of methane through venting flaring and leaks. That’s about $1.5 billion worth of gas, enough to serve every Texas household for 3 years. Consumers and industry both benefit when operators invest methane mitigation technologies that help reduce waste and improve
efficiency, often at no net cost.  

Technologies and services in leak detection and repair prove to be the most common manufactured category in the industry, with fast growth reported in flaring mitigation and improved combustion technologies in the past three years. This growth will only continue as demand for cleaner energy is on the rise. 

Looking at the bigger economic picture, Texas’ existing industry strength as the nation’s largest producer allows methane mitigation jobs to grow alongside current oil and gas operations, strengthening them instead of replacing them. These two industries can assist each other in meeting demand for cleaner energy and reducing waste. 

Texas’ methane mitigation industry is strong, growing fast, and ready to meet the challenge of addressing methane emissions, making economic growth and pollution reduction achievable. Oil and gas can cash in on this win-win innovation and become a more efficient, and profitable, neighbor.