EPA Natural Gas STAR
Program Accomplishments
m
Introduction
Established in 1993, the Natural Gas STAR Program is a flexible, voluntary partnership that encourages oil and natural
gas companies—both domestically and internationally—to adopt proven, cost-effective technologies and practices that
improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions. Given that methane is the primary component of natural
gas and is a potent greenhouse gas—23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide (C02) in trapping heat in the atmosphere
over a 100-year period—reducing methane emissions can result in environmental, economic, and operational benefits.
Natural Gas STAR industry partners have operations in all of the major industry
sectors—production, gathering and processing, transmission, and distribution—and
represent 60 percent of the natural gas industry in the United States, including 18 of
the top 25 natural gas production companies. Also, with the launch of Natural Gas
STAR International in 2006, the Program expanded to include companies world-
wide, significantly increasing opportunities to reduce methane emissions from oil
and natural gas operations. Today, the Program has more than 130 partner compa-
nies (12 of which are international partners) and is endorsed by 20 major industry
trade associations.
This document highlights the methane emissions reductions Natural Gas STAR partners have achieved to date under
this important voluntary partnership program. It also highlights a variety of technologies and practices implemented
by partners to reduce methane emissions. The following diagram shows some of the top methane emission reduction
opportunities for each sector.
NaturalGas(\
EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER *
Oil Production
•	Install VRUs on crude oil storage tanks
•	Route casinghead gas to VRU or compressor
for recovery & use or sale
Gas Production & Processing
•	Perform reduced emissions
completions
•	Install plunger lifts
•	Aerial leak detection using laser
and/or infrared technology
•	Eliminate unnecessary equipment
and/or systems
Gas Storage
•	Convert gas pneumatic controls to
instrument air
•	Replace bi-directional orifice metering
with ultrasonic meters
•	Reduce methane emissions from
compressor rod packing systems
Producing wells
ransmission
athering Lines
Processing Plant
Compressor
Stations
LNG or Propane/Air Plant
Underground
Large Volume
City Gate
(Regu lators/Mete rs)
Customer
Regulator/Meter
Distribution Mains
Residentia
Commercial
Customer
Gas Transmission
•	DI&M at compressor stations
•	Use fixed/portable compressors
for pipeline pumpdown
•	Install VRUs on pipeline
liquid/condensate tanks
Gas Distribution
•	DI&M at surface facilities
•	Identify and replace high-bleed
pneumatic devices
•	Survey and repair leaks
Picture courtesy of American Gas Association.

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2008: Continuing Excellence
Now in its 16th year, the Natural Gas STAR Program continues to achieve
success through its partnerships with the oil and natural gas industry. Since
1993, the oil and natural gas industry has eliminated more than 822 billion
cubic feet (Bcf) of domestic methane emissions through the implementa-
tion of approximately 150 cost-effective technologies and practices.
For calendar year 2008, Natural Gas STAR partners reported domestic
emissions reductions of more than 114 Bcf. These emissions reductions,
voluntarily undertaken by Natural Gas STAR partner companies, have
cross-cutting benefits on domestic energy supply, industrial efficiency,
revenue generation, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
The 2008 voluntary domestic emissions reductions are equivalent to:
•	The additional revenue of more than $802 million in natural gas sales
(assumes an average natural gas price of $7.00 per thousand cubic feet).
•	The avoidance of 46.3 million tonnes C02 equivalent,
•	The C02 emissions from the electricity use consumption of more than
6 million homes for one year.
•	The annual greenhouse gas emissions from 8.5 million passenger ve-
hicles.
•	The carbon sequestered annually by 10.5 million acres of pine or fir
forests.
Domestic Natural Gas STAR Methane Emissions Reductions as of 2008
l Annual
l Cumulative
2008 Methane Emissions Reductions by Sector (114.6 Bcf)
Production
Gathering and Processing
Transmission
Distribution
Technology Transfer Activities
Natural Gas STAR methane emission
reducing technologies and practices
have become widely implemented
by partners as a result of technology
transfer and sharing partner experi-
ences across the industry. This is
achieved through Natural Gas STAR
technical documents, technology
articles in the Partner Update, and
partner sponsored Technology Transfer
Workshops.
In 2009, Natural Gas STAR held four
domestic Technology Transfer Work-
shops. Domestic workshops covered
much of the oil and natural gas
producing regions, with events in Mon-
tana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and
West Virginia. Co-sponsored by indus-
try partners or endorser organizations,
these workshops provide an oppor-
tunity for participants to engage in a
peer-based exchange of technical and
economic information related to cost-
effective methane emission reduction
technologies and practices and other
best practices. More information on
these technology transfer workshops
can be found on the Natural Gas
STAR Web site at epa.gov/gasstar/
workshops/index.html.

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Natural Gas STAR International
In addition to the growth experienced under the domestic Program since
1993, international progress is also being made in reducing methane
emissions under Natural Gas STAR International. The Natural Gas STAR
International Program requirements mirror that of the domestic Natural
Gas STAR Program, and membership is open to all oil and natural gas
companies worldwide. For 2008, Natural Gas STAR International part-
ners reported 51.1 Bcf in methane emissions reductions and a total of
65.5 Bcf since the inception of the Natural Gas STAR International Pro-
gram. This includes methane emissions reductions in Argentina, Brazil,
Canada, Equatorial Guinea, India, and Nigeria.
The 2008 voluntary international methane emissions reductions are
equivalent to:
•	The additional revenue of nearly $358 million in natural gas sales (as-
sumes an average natural gas price of $7.00 per thousand cubic feet).
•	The avoidance of 20.7 million tones C02 equivalent.
•	The C02 emissions from the electricity consumption of 2.7 million
homes for one year.
•	The annual greenhouse gas emissions from 3.8 million passenger ve-
hicles.
•	The carbon sequestered annually by 4.7 million acres of pine or fir
forests.
New Tools and Resources
New Methane to Markets Web site
(www.methanetomarkets.org)
The redesigned Methane to Markets
Web site includes new features
to better serve the multi-national,
multi-lingual, and multi-disciplinary
community. New Web 2.0 features
allow users to share Methane to
Markets activities with others as well
as translate content into dozens of
languages. Updates were also made
to country home pages, country
detail pages, and the sector landing
pages to make information easily
accessible to users.
Natural Gas STAR Internationa! Methane Emissions Reductions as of 2008
2004	2005	.2006	2007	2008'

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Emissions Reductions by Sector
The following section illustrates the major sources of methane emissions from each industry sector and the technolo-
gies and practices implemented by partners to reduce methane emissions. The information showing the breakdown of
emission sources was taken from the EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, and the information
showing Natural Gas STAR partner activities, was taken from partner reports and Natural Gas STAR historical data.
Production Sector Accomplishments
Production Sector
Top Emission Sources in 2007
Source: EPA Inventory of U.S.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Sinks 1990-2007, April 2009
Well
Venting and
Flaring
f Bcf
Storage Tank
Venting
5 Bcf
Pneumatic Devices
43 Bcf
Meters and Pipeline
Leaks
8 Bcf
Compresor
Fugitives,Venting, and
Engine. Exhaust
12 Bcf
"Dehydrators and Pumps
1:2 Bcf
Offshore Operations
29 Bcf
Production partners reported 89.3 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2008—and a total of 537 Bcf since 1990.
The technologies and practices employed by production sector partners include:
Top Technologies in 2008
Total Sector Reductions in 2008 = 89.3 Bcf
Top Technologies Since 1990
Cumulative Sector Reductions = 537.4 Bcf
50%
11%
¦	Perform reduced emissions
completions
¦Artificial lift: install plunger lifts
6 Identify and replace high-bleed
pneumatic devices
¦	Artificial lift: install smart lift
automated systems on gas wells
¦	Use foaming agents to reduce
blowdown frequency
¦	Convert to instrument air systems
Artificial lift: gas lift
Other
36%
12%
12%
¦	Perform reduced emissions
completions
¦	Install vapor recovery units (VRUs)
¦	Artificial lift: install plunger lifts
¦	Identify and replace high-bleed
pneumatic devices
¦	Artificial lift: install smart lift
automated systems on gas wells
¦	Convert to instrument systems
Install flash tank separators on
glycol dehydrators
¦	Other

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i

NaturalGasf^/ f
EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER '



Gathering and Processing Sector Accomplishments
Gathering and Processing Sector	Source: EPA Inventory of U.S.
Top Emission SourCGS in 2007	Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Sinks 1990-2007, April 2009
Dehydrators and
Other
Plant Sources
Fugitives 1 Bcf
° -gj
Reciprocating
Compressors
16 Bcf
Blowdowns
2Bcf^
Centrifugal
Compressors
Gas Engine Exhaust
7 Bcf
Gathering and processing partners reported 7 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2008—and a total of 42.8 since
1990. The technologies and practices employed by gathering and processing sector partners include:
Top Technologies in 2008
Total Sector Reductions in 2008 = 7 Bcf
Top Technologies Since 1990
Cumulative Sector Reductions = 42.8 Bcf
¦	DI&M aerial leak detection using
laser and/or infrared technolgoy
1 Install electric compressors
1 Install vapor recovery units
¦	Redesign blowdown/alter ESD
practices
1 Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to
reduce methane in N2 reject stream
1 Eliminate unnecessary eguipment
and/or systems
¦	Install flash tank separators on
glycol dehydrators
¦	Other
15%
¦	Di&M: aerial leak detection using
laser and/or infrared technology
¦	Install electric compressors
¦	Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to
reduce methane in N2 reject stream
¦	Eliminate unnecessary equipment
and/or systems
¦	DI&M: leak detection using IR
camera/optical imaging
¦	Redesign blowdown/alter ESD
practices
¦	Pipeline replacement and repair
¦	Other
s -

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Transmission Sector Accomplishments
Transmission Sector	Source: EPA inventory of u.s.
Top Emission Sources in 2007	Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Sinks 1990-2007, April 2009
Transmission partners reported 17.3 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2008—and a total of 214.4 Bcf since
1993. The technologies and practices employed by transmission sector partners include:
Top Technologies in 2008
Total Sector Reductions in 2008 = 17.3 Bcf
Top Technologies Since 1993
Cumulative Sector Reductions = 214.4 Bcf
14%
¦	Use fixed/portable compressors for
pipeline pumpdown
¦	Use of turbines at compressor stations
1 Repjace wet compressor seals with
diy seals
¦	Use trot taps for in-service pipeline
connections
Install vapor recovery units on
pipeline liquid/condensate tanks
In stall electric compressors
¦	Use of YAl I closures for ESB testing
¦	Other
16%
19%
5%.i
7%
10%1
11%

18%
¦	DI&M at compressor stations
¦	Use fixed/portable compressors for
pipeline pumpdown
Install vapor recovery units on
pipeline liquid/condensate tanks
¦	Use of turbines at compressor
stations
¦	Replace wet compressor seals with
dry seals
1 DI&M at surface facilities
¦	Use composite wrap repair
¦	Other

Station
8 Bcf
Centrifugal
Compressors
8 Bcf
Gas Engine Exhaust	n .. ^ ¦
n ,	Pneumatic Devices
12Bcf	11 Bcf
Reciprocating
Compressors
41 Bcf
Pipeline Leaks
8 Bcf
Station
Fugitives
8 Bcf _
Other
Sources
4 Bcf

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Distribution Sector Accomplishments
Distribution Sector
Top Emission Sources in 2007
Other
Protected Steel c™,,™
Mains/Services ^ Bcf
Customer Meter 4 Bcf
Source: EPA Inventory of U.S.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Sinks 1990-2007, April 2009
Plastic
Mains/Services
6 Bcf
Cast Iron
Mains
1 Bet
jppP^^
£
M&R Stations
18 Bet
Unprotected Stgel
Mains/Services
17 Bcf
Regulator Stations
11 Bcf
Distribution partners reported 1.4 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2008—and a total of 38.8 Bcf since 1993.
The technologies and practices employed by distribution sector partners include:
Top Technologies in 2008
Total Sector Reductions in 2008 = 1.4 Bcf
oo/, 2% 7%
¦	DI&M: survey and repair leaks
¦	Identify and rehabilitate leaky
distribution pipe
¦	Identify and replace high-bleed
pneumatic devices
¦	Use hot taps for in-service pipeline
connections
¦	DI&M at surface facilities
¦	Install excess flow valves
¦	Convert to instrument air systems
¦Other
Top Technologies Since 1993
1% Cumulative Sector Reductions = 38.8 Bcf
IS I 4%
¦	DI&M at surface facilities
¦	Identify and rehabilitate leaky
distribution pipe
B DI&M: survey and repair leaks
¦	Identify and replace high-bleed
pneumatic devices
¦	Use automated systems to reduce
pressure
* DI&M at compressor stations
(non-mainline transmission)
Inject blowdown gas into low
pressure system
¦	Other

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Natural Gas STAR Partners and Endorsers
Production
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Apache Corporation
Arcland Energy
BP
Chesapeake Energy
Chevron Corporation
ConocoPhillips Alaska Natural Gas
Corporation
ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company
Devon Energy
El Paso E & P Company L.P.
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
Energen Resources
ExxonMobil Production Company
Hess Corporations Americas Explora-
tion and Production
HighMount E&P LLC
Hunt Oil Company
Linn Energy LLC
Marathon Oil Company
Murphy Exploration and Production
Company
Newfield Exploration Company
Noble Energy Inc.
Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation
Plains Exploration & Production Com-
pany (PXP)
Quicksilver Resources
SandRidge Midstream
Shell Exploration & Production
Company
Southwestern Energy Company
Torch Energy
Total E&P USA
Williams Production RMT Company
XTO Energy
Gathering and Processing
BP
Chevron Corporation
DCP Midstream
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
Enogex LLC
ExxonMobil Production Company
ONEOK Partners
Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
Prism Gas Company
ROC Gas Company (a wholly owned
subsidiary of SandRidge Midstream)
Targa Resources, Inc.
Western Gas Resources (a wholly owned
subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum
Corporation)
Transmission
Alliance Pipeline LP
ANR Pipeline Company (a TransCanada
Company)
Carolina Gas Transmission (a SCANA
Corporation Company)
Colorado Interstate Gas Company (an
El Paso Transmission Company)
Columbia Gas Transmission Corpora-
tion (a NiSource Transmission
Company)
Columbia Gulf Transmission Company
(a NiSource Transmission Company)
Consumers Energy
DTE Energy - MichCon
El Paso Natural Gas Company
Enbridge, Inc.
Florida Gas Transmission (a Southern
Union Gas company)
Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (a
NiSource Transmission Company)
Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company
Gulf South Pipeline
Iroquois Gas Transmission System
Kinder Morgan
New Mexico Gas Company
Northern Natural Gas
ONEOK Partners
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Panhandle Eastern Pipeline (a Southern
Union Gas company)
Piedmont Natural Gas
Questar Pipeline Company
Source Gas LLC
Southern California Gas Company
Southern Natural Gas Company (an El
Paso Transmission Company)
Southwest Gas Corporation
Spectra Energy Transmission
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (an El
Paso Transmission Company)
TransCanada - Gas Transmission
Northwest
Trunkline Gas (a Southern Union Gas
company)
Williams Gas Pipeline
Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline
Company
Distribution
AGL Resources
Alliant Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation
Bay State Gas Company (a NiSource
Distribution Company)
Berkshire Gas
CenterPoint Energy Arkla/Entex
CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas
Central Hudson Gas & Electric
Corporation
Citizens Energy Group
Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. (a
NiSource Distribution Company)
Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc. (a
NiSource Distribution Company)
Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. (a NiSource
Distribution Company)
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. (a
NiSource Distribution Company)
Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. (a Ni-
Source Distribution Company)
Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation
Consolidated Edison Company of New
York, Inc.
Constellation Energy/Baltimore Gas
and Electric Company
Consumers Energy
Corning Natural Gas Corporation
Delmarva Power
DTE Energy - MichCon
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Equitable Gas Co.
Kansas Gas Services (a ONEOK Distri-
bution Company)
Kinder Morgan
Kokomo Gas and Fuel Company (a
NiSource Distribution Company)
Laclede Gas Co.
Maine Natural Gas
National Grid
New Jersey Natural Gas Company
New Mexico Gas Company
New York State Electric & Gas Corpora-
tion
Nicor Gas
Northern Indiana Fuel & Light Co. (a
NiSource Distribution Company)
Northern Indiana Public Service
Company (a NiSource Distribution
Company)
Northern Utilities (a NiSource Distribu-
tion Company)
Oklahoma Natural Gas (a ONEOK
Distribution Company)
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PECO Energy Company
Piedmont Natural Gas
PSNC Energy
Public Service Electric and Gas
Company
Puget Sound Energy
Questar Gas Co.
Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation
Source Gas LLC
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company
(a SCANA Corporation Company)
Southern California Gas Company
Southern Connecticut Gas Company
Southwest Gas Corporation
Texas Gas Services (a ONEOK Distribu-
tion Company)
UGI Utilities, Inc.
Washington Gas
Wisconsin Public Service Company
Xcel Energy
international
Comgas
ConocoPhillips Canada Ltd.
Devon Energy Corporation
Empresa Nacional del Petroleo (ENAP)
ENAP Sipetrol S.A. (international affili-
ate of ENAP)
Enbridge, Inc.
ExxonMobil Corporation
GAZ-SYSTEM S.A.
Marathon Oil Corporation
Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.
(ONGC)
TransCanada
Endorsers
The Air & Waste Management Associa-
tion (A&WMA)
American Exploration & Production
Council
American Gas Association (AGA)
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers (AIChE) Institute for
Sustainability
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Colorado Oil and Gas Association
(COGA)
Gas Processors Association (GPA)
Gulf Coast Environmental Affairs
Group (GCEAG)
Independent Petroleum Association of
America (IPAA)
Independent Petroleum Association of
Mountain States (IPAMS)
Interstate Natural Gas Association of
America (INGAA)
Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commis-
sion (IOGCC)
Montana Petroleum Association (MPA)
Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA)
New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Northeast Gas Association (NGA)
Petroleum Association of Wyoming
(PAW)
Petroleum Technology Transfer Council
Southern Gas Association (SGA)
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
October 2009

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