Waste Gas Capture Initiative

Methane emissions from active and abandoned mines account for roughly 8% of all U.S. methane emissions each year—a striking figure when we consider the economic potential being missed. By capturing and utilizing mine methane, we can spur economic opportunity for local economies and create jobs. Just from active underground mines that report emissions, the EPA estimates that 33 million tons of CO2e of methane are released annually—equivalent to over 61 million MMBTU of methane each year. Imagine the impact of putting even a portion of that energy to productive use. Capturing mine methane could be a win-win for the economy and energy production. Learn more about the economic opportunities of coal mine methane capture:?https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Today, we honor and remember the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country.

Capturing and utilizing coal mine methane emitted from abandoned or active mines is a commonsense tool that has economic and environmental benefits for local communities in areas across the country. As Leon Boyd, vice president at WGCI member Noah Horn Well Drilling, pointed out in a recent op-ed: "We have untapped opportunities in Virginia and throughout Appalachia to scale CMM capture projects, creating more jobs, supporting families, and stimulating local economies. One analysis identified that potential CMM capture projects in Virginia could bring as many as 238 new jobs to the state in as little as five years. These positive changes in our community and workforce due to CMM projects are tangible and significant. Investing in CMM not only addresses unemployment but also brings hope and renewed vitality to our towns and cities, building a model for other communities like ours across Appalachia." Learn more about how CMM capture can be leveraged as a commonsense tool with economic and environmental benefits:?https://lnkd.in/e8Zd7YXE

Methane emissions from active and abandoned mines account for 8% of all U.S. methane emissions. With less than 2% of active mines in the U.S. working to capture and use waste methane, there is a major opportunity to expand capture practices. Providing incentives that encourage mine methane capture is the first step in helping communities across the country by simultaneously reducing methane emissions while boosting economic activity. Read more on the benefits of mine methane capture:?https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Coal mine methane is an untapped resource that is revitalizing the local economy and disadvantaged communities across Appalachia, supporting the creation of thousands of jobs and driving business growth. Local businesses, like Virginia-based Noah Horn Well Drilling, a WGCI member, benefit from the economic activity generated by CMM projects. One analysis found that, over 15 years, investing in CMM projects could contribute as much as $176.6 million to Virginia's GDP. As Leon Boyd, Vice President at Noah Horn Well Drilling, laid out in a recent op-ed in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, "For CMM projects to be viable, strong policy support and tax incentives are crucial. … Policymakers must champion these projects by ensuring robust tax incentives that make CMM capture projects viable while driving economic growth and job creation." Read Boyd's perspective as a local business leader on how CMM capture and productive use has the potential to support a prosperous and sustainable future throughout Appalachia: https://lnkd.in/e8Zd7YXE

Mine methane capture will bring economic opportunity where it is needed most, like Appalachian communities in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. When deployed, mine methane capture technology would have a direct impact on communities across the country, increasing GDP and creating jobs. For example, in each of the first five years of deployment, mine methane capture would increase the GDPs of Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania by a combined $225M annually on average, while also creating more than 2,500 jobs. Learn more about why mine methane capture is a common-sense solution: https://lnkd.in/etJr4G5Y

#ICYMI: The Waste Gas Capture Initiative applauded last month's introduction of the bipartisan Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act by Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, which focuses on capturing and repurposing mine methane emissions from active and abandoned mines to be used as an energy resource. This legislation follows the introduction of H.R. 3982, the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, by Reps. Miller, Sewell, Reschenthaler, and Deluzio earlier in the 118th Congress. "We fully support the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act and look forward to working with our partners to see its passage and implementation," said WGCI Executive Director Michael Moore. Read our full statement on this crucial legislation here: https://lnkd.in/eSSGk4TS

Coal mine methane projects can contribute millions towards economic growth in local economies. For example, one analysis found that over 15 years, investing in CMM projects could contribute as much as $176.6 million to Virginia's GDP, while investment in infrastructure and operating expenses towards these projects could reach almost $400 million. CMM projects can bring beneficial resources to the parts of the country that need them most. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dbEYbxRS

Capturing waste methane contributes to a cleaner environment and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By expanding incentives for waste methane capture, we can harness this underutilized resource, improve energy resilience, and create jobs in regions that need them most. https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Approximately 8% of annual U.S. methane emissions are attributed to active and abandoned mines. However, fewer than 2% of these mines are currently engaged in efforts to collect and utilize waste methane. Join us as we work to scale methane capture practices at the pace required to cover the costs of investments in crucial technology and infrastructure: https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt