1st Report - Methane: keep up the momentum

The government's response

What the committee recommended 66

1. 1
   Methane is responsible for 30 per cent of global warming to date, and global emissions... Conclusion · paragraph 13
2. 2
   In considering the costs of taking action on methane emissions, the Government should consider both... Recommendation · paragraph 14
3. 3
   The UK was a strong proponent of the Global Methane Pledge, led by the US... Conclusion · paragraph 49
4. 4
   The UK has been one of the most successful nations in reducing its methane emissions—by... Conclusion · paragraph 50
5. 5
   The previous Government did not adopt the Pledge’s global 30 per cent reduction target as... Recommendation · paragraph 51

See all 66 recommendations and conclusions

Sources

• 1st Report - Methane: keep up the momentum ↗The committee's report, parliament.uk
• Government Response to the Environment and Climate Change Committee report 'Methane: keep up the momentum' ↗The government's response, 12 February 2025, parliament.uk

Recommendations and conclusions 66

1. 1
   Methane is responsible for 30 per cent of global warming to date, and global emissions... Conclusion · paragraph 13 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   Methane is responsible for 30 per cent of global warming to date, and global emissions are rising. Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. However, its short-lived nature in the atmosphere means that mitigating methane emissions can buy the planet valuable time to combat climate change. Reducing methane emissions globally now would achieve cooling in the near term. Mitigating methane emissions may also offer health co-benefits and economic opportunities from utilising captured methane that would otherwise be lost.
2. 2
   In considering the costs of taking action on methane emissions, the Government should consider both... Recommendation · paragraph 14 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   In considering the costs of taking action on methane emissions, the Government should consider both the costs and benefits of action and the concomitant costs and benefits of inaction over the short, medium and long-term, including adaptation costs.
3. 3
   The UK was a strong proponent of the Global Methane Pledge, led by the US... Conclusion · paragraph 49 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   The UK was a strong proponent of the Global Methane Pledge, led by the US and the EU, when COP26 was held in Glasgow in 2021. The Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030, has a number of shortcomings, not least the absence of any independent verification of participants’ methane action plans. Further, whilst the Pledge now has a significant number of signatories, its utility is hampered by the absence of several of the largest methane emitters—China, India and Russia. Nonetheless, we heard from witnesses that the Pledge is an important tool in meeting the UK’s national and international commitments to contribute to global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5˚C.
4. 4
   The UK has been one of the most successful nations in reducing its methane emissions—by... Conclusion · paragraph 50 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   The UK has been one of the most successful nations in reducing its methane emissions—by 62 per cent between 1990 and 2020. Much of the significant reduction preceded the adoption of the Pledge, principally through a series of legislative initiatives addressing methane from waste, oil and gas extraction, and as a byproduct of the end of UK coal mining and coal power generation. Nonetheless, the UK is in a good position to lead on the more challenging emissions that remain, given its historic strengths and domestic scientific expertise in monitoring and verification.
5. 5
   The previous Government did not adopt the Pledge’s global 30 per cent reduction target as... Recommendation · paragraph 51 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   The previous Government did not adopt the Pledge’s global 30 per cent reduction target as a domestic target and, unlike many other Pledge participants, the UK has not produced a methane action plan. We acknowledge that the UK made significant progress on methane mitigation prior to signing the Pledge, though the rate of reduction in emissions has slowed in recent years, so achieving a further 30 per cent reduction domestically poses a greater challenge for the UK than it does for other countries. Clarity is needed on cost-effective priority actions, for both domestic emissions and the overall global target. Given constrained public finances, the Government must consider the economic costs of mitigation measures, including the costs that may be incurred to business through increased regulation. However, this consideration must be balanced by a recognition that well-designed regulation can drive sustainable growth, paving the way for long-term success for business. Given the UK’s strong record of emissions cuts, it should prioritise actions that will have the greatest international influence–whether that be through climate diplomacy, or through domestic actions that enhance global momentum on shared challenges. In this latter category, the UK Government should look to other countries who are innovating new policy and regulatory tools, such as the EU and New Zealand. The aim should be to increase pressure on other countries to do the same.
6. 6
   The UK Government should publish its own methane action plan to provide clarity on priority... Recommendation · paragraph 52 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   The UK Government should publish its own methane action plan to provide clarity on priority actions. This should include the costs of planned actions for different sectors and detail short- and long-term benefits, weighed against the costs of not taking action. The Government should focus on mitigation measures that will maximise impact relative to cost so that it can effectively prioritise its work.
7. 7
   The UK Government should use its expertise in monitoring and verification to encourage the establishment... Recommendation · paragraph 53 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   The UK Government should use its expertise in monitoring and verification to encourage the establishment of an international body to verify Pledge participants’ methane action plans.
8. 8
   As the host nation at COP26, the UK played a leading role in the launch... Conclusion · paragraph 54 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   As the host nation at COP26, the UK played a leading role in the launch of the Global Methane Pledge. Some witnesses argued that since then, the UK has not been as active as it could be in key international fora and discussions, though the new Government told us it stands ready to participate in future methane-focused international events. Some witnesses told us that greater UK presence and participation in international discussions on methane would be welcome, notably in the sharing of best practice, and international finance, where the UK has driven significant progress.
9. 9
   There are many areas of best practice the UK has developed, for example in mitigating... Conclusion · paragraph 55 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   There are many areas of best practice the UK has developed, for example in mitigating methane emissions from waste management. Given the dramatic methane reductions the UK has achieved in waste management, the UK has an opportunity to highlight and share this expertise globally.
10. 10
    Regarding international finance, the UK has contributed significantly less than other comparable countries to global... Conclusion · paragraph 56 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Regarding international finance, the UK has contributed significantly less than other comparable countries to global methane mitigation funds, though we note that the UK has made very significant contributions to climate finance more broadly.
11. 11
    Given the UK’s reputation as an international financial hub and its stakeholder role in multilateral... Recommendation · paragraph 57 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    Given the UK’s reputation as an international financial hub and its stakeholder role in multilateral development banks, the Government should identify options to expand the UK’s role in this area. In view of the urgent need to address methane in order to buy time to mitigate carbon dioxide, we suggest that the Government could redirect some of its priorities in funding.
12. 12
    The UK pioneered top-down greenhouse gas modelling, and its bottom-up inventory is world-leading. Conclusion · paragraph 96 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The UK pioneered top-down greenhouse gas modelling, and its bottom-up inventory is world-leading. However, further improvement in monitoring and verification regulation at the level of individual sectors could bring significant benefits, notably a) further increasing levels of confidence in the UK’s emissions statistics, b) refining the monitoring the impact of sector-level mitigation measures, and c) being able to reward the good practice of individual operations.
13. 13
    The Government should continue to fund and promote pioneering academic work in emissions measurement, monitoring,... Recommendation · paragraph 97 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should continue to fund and promote pioneering academic work in emissions measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification in the UK.
14. 14
    The advent of new satellite technologies offers opportunities for continuous global monitoring. Conclusion · paragraph 98 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The advent of new satellite technologies offers opportunities for continuous global monitoring. However, they are best suited to discovering large leaks. A range of other approaches, including the tall tower network and drones, will remain necessary as different technologies can respond to different challenges.
15. 15
    The UK has fallen behind the US and EU in the development of enhanced methane... Conclusion · paragraph 99 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The UK has fallen behind the US and EU in the development of enhanced methane monitoring and verification regulation at the level of individual emitting sectors and sites. Though UK academics have led innovation in new monitoring techniques, we heard that a lack of clear regulation is an obstacle to utilising these at scale. Beyond encouraging good practice, this would produce more detailed and extensive data reporting to the UK’s National Inventory Report and may offer commercial opportunities globally for UK expertise in measurement technologies.
16. 16
    The Government should look to international comparisons, and consider developing similar enhanced measurement, monitoring, reporting... Recommendation · paragraph 100 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should look to international comparisons, and consider developing similar enhanced measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) regulations. In so doing, it must take detailed account of any costs and benefits. A comprehensive MMRV framework that meets these standards may be required to avoid extra costs and/or process in exporting oil and gas to the EU as of 2027.
17. 17
    The metrics used in measuring greenhouse gases have significant consequences for how their impact is... Conclusion · paragraph 101 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The metrics used in measuring greenhouse gases have significant consequences for how their impact is understood, and what mitigation interventions are judged necessary. In line with international standards, the UK uses GWP100 to measure and report its emissions. However, we heard that GWP100 is less well suited to representing the warming impact of shorter-lived greenhouse gases such as methane, and underestimates the cooling effects of reducing methane emissions.
18. 18
    Several of our witnesses advocated the use of GWP* as an additional metric to GWP100... Conclusion · paragraph 102 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Several of our witnesses advocated the use of GWP* as an additional metric to GWP100 and moving towards a system of reporting using both metrics. GWP* aims to better represent the warming impact of greenhouse gases, accounting for their persistence in the atmosphere. However, we also heard concern from others about the weaknesses of GWP*, particularly when used at the level of individual sectors or businesses. There was no clear consensus, with the pioneers of GWP* acknowledging the metric’s limitations and the possibility that its use at the sectoral level would confuse as much as illuminate.
19. 19
    Nevertheless, the limitations of GWP100 must be taken seriously. Conclusion · paragraph 103 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Nevertheless, the limitations of GWP100 must be taken seriously. As emission reduction measures may become ever more targeted at the level of individual sectors and businesses, precise understanding of their impact will be crucial. We welcomed the previous Government’s openness to considering additional metrics where appropriate, and we encourage the new Government to take a similar approach.
20. 20
    As scientific debate in this area evolves, the Government should monitor it closely and consider... Recommendation · paragraph 104 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    As scientific debate in this area evolves, the Government should monitor it closely and consider how additional metrics can be robustly employed at the sectoral and the business level to improve understanding of the UK’s emissions. As a first step, the Government should move towards unilaterally implementing an auxiliary metric to better reflect the warming impact of methane. The UK should also play an active role in international discussions when the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change considers the need to review these common metrics, no later than 2028.
21. 21
    Farmers have claimed that Government communication about reducing methane emissions, and options for doing so,... Conclusion · paragraph 146 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Farmers have claimed that Government communication about reducing methane emissions, and options for doing so, has not been sufficiently clear. The UK Government should consult with representative bodies, individual farmers and regulators to ensure clear and consistent expectations are set and accompanying guidance provided.
22. 22
    Methane mitigation must be considered in the context of other priorities, including sustainable farming, food... Conclusion · paragraph 147 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Methane mitigation must be considered in the context of other priorities, including sustainable farming, food security and ongoing higher food costs. There is a risk that if costly measures are required of UK farmers, the UK could import cheaper meat from elsewhere with higher embedded emissions. This risk could potentially be mitigated by border adjustment mechanisms in future.
23. 23
    The Government should consider what measures should be adopted in the context of broader international... Recommendation · paragraph 147 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should consider what measures should be adopted in the context of broader international trade, economic and development considerations.
24. 24
    Agriculture accounts for 49 per cent of UK methane emissions, of which 85 per cent... Recommendation · paragraph 148 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    Agriculture accounts for 49 per cent of UK methane emissions, of which 85 per cent comes from ruminants through enteric fermentation. There are promising solutions to mitigate methane emissions from ruminants, though several are currently technologically immature. Low-cost, long-term solutions must be prioritised. The UK Government must lead an open and honest conversation with the sector and supermarkets about how these costs will be distributed to reduce emissions whilst not burdening farmers or consumers unfairly. Feed additives, while not a panacea, have significant potential. The Government should embrace new technologies and explore further options to support and fund selective breeding, animal health and productivity improvements.
25. 25
    The Government should continue monitoring the effectiveness of feed additives in real life case studies... Recommendation · paragraph 149 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should continue monitoring the effectiveness of feed additives in real life case studies and ensure its own robust understanding of the costs before supporting wider rollout. The Government should look to international comparisons in selective breeding and animal health and consider how they could be replicated in the UK context, in collaboration with farmers.
26. 26
    We ask that the Government confirms its support for the Dairy Demonstrator project, and to... Recommendation · paragraph 150 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We ask that the Government confirms its support for the Dairy Demonstrator project, and to provide an update on progress as soon as possible. The Government should also confirm whether it intends to introduce similar trial projects for other agricultural subsectors involving ruminants.
27. 27
    Methane from slurry represents approximately 15 per cent of UK agricultural methane emissions. Conclusion · paragraph 151 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Methane from slurry represents approximately 15 per cent of UK agricultural methane emissions. Aggregated slurry from individual farms amount to substantial methane emissions as well as increased risks of water pollution. However anaerobic digestors are currently only used by a small percentage of farms. We heard that existing grants in England are not working well to support uptake, due in large part to overly rigid grant conditions and slow progress at the local authority level in agreeing permissions.
28. 28
    The Government should adopt measures to improve uptake. Recommendation · paragraph 151 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should adopt measures to improve uptake.
29. 29
    We heard suggestions for how methane mitigation could be delivered through land management practices such... Conclusion · paragraph 152 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We heard suggestions for how methane mitigation could be delivered through land management practices such as low-input grassland and forestry, which also offer nature-friendly co-benefits—though we recognise forestry is a longer-term solution.
30. 30
    The Government should build on engagement with farmers pioneering these approaches and build an evidence... Recommendation · paragraph 153 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should build on engagement with farmers pioneering these approaches and build an evidence base of what works. The Government should pay close attention to emerging research around the carbon cycle in agriculture and ensure that considerations of both biodiversity and climate impacts are taken into account in agricultural policy.
31. 31
    As the Government continues to develop and roll out Environmental Land Management schemes, it should... Conclusion · paragraph 154 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    As the Government continues to develop and roll out Environmental Land Management schemes, it should consider whether and how the schemes could be used as an effective policy tool to incentivise methane mitigation. We note that under the Agriculture Act 2020, there is provision for public money to support land-based ‘public goods’ including environmental and climate improvements.
32. 32
    As noted in chapter 3, enhanced monitoring and verification of emissions at smaller scales not... Conclusion · paragraph 155 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    As noted in chapter 3, enhanced monitoring and verification of emissions at smaller scales not only improves the quality and accuracy of data for the UK’s National Inventory Report but also makes it possible to reward and encourage good practice in mitigating emissions by individual businesses or individuals. Other countries such as New Zealand have been exploring the possibility of applying enhanced monitoring to agriculture, recognising the benefits for the climate and individual farms and farmers. Though we note that policy measures in one country may not always be directly applicable to another, there may still be lessons to learn and options to explore.
33. 33
    The Government should build on its work to improve the accuracy and reliability of agricultural... Recommendation · paragraph 156 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should build on its work to improve the accuracy and reliability of agricultural emissions calculators for use on individual farms, in line with our recommendations regarding metrics in chapter 3.
34. 34
    The Government could consider whether there is a case for setting separate methane emissions targets... Recommendation · paragraph 157 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government could consider whether there is a case for setting separate methane emissions targets for different sectors, and whether regulation could support this policy. The Government should provide an update on Defra’s commitment to assess the role of targets split between different greenhouse gases, and whether the Government intends to consider similar targets for other methane-emitting sectors beyond agriculture and land use.
35. 35
    The UK made significant improvements on reducing methane from waste management before the signing of... Recommendation · paragraph 195 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The UK made significant improvements on reducing methane from waste management before the signing of the Global Methane Pledge. However, renewed focus may be necessary if the UK is to reach the targets set by the Government in 2012 or secure the progress deemed necessary by the Climate Change Committee. If these targets are not to be met, the Government should provide its own assessment of whether the costs outweigh the benefits.
36. 36
    We have heard that the biggest source of landfill methane emissions is from the handling... Conclusion · paragraph 196 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We have heard that the biggest source of landfill methane emissions is from the handling of food waste. The 2026 target date to have all local authorities conduct weekly domestic food waste collections will be crucial to tackle this. The statutory instrument to enact the target date was passed under the previous Government on 17 May 2024. However, this policy can only succeed if it is clearly communicated and achieves confidence. We did not see a clear delivery plan from the previous Government about how it planned to achieve this logistically challenging deadline, and witnesses questioned whether the level of funding would be sufficient.
37. 37
    The Government should publish a clear delivery plan, including the steps that will be required... Recommendation · paragraph 197 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should publish a clear delivery plan, including the steps that will be required of local authorities and taking into account logistical and financial obstacles they may face.
38. 38
    For mandatory separate organic waste collection to realise methane mitigation benefits, we heard that the... Conclusion · paragraph 198 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    For mandatory separate organic waste collection to realise methane mitigation benefits, we heard that the number of anaerobic digestors will likely need to increase to process this waste and capture the resulting methane.
39. 39
    The Government should provide its assessment of whether the number of anaerobic digestion facilities is... Recommendation · paragraph 199 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should provide its assessment of whether the number of anaerobic digestion facilities is on track to keep pace with the mandatory food waste collection target date, and put this information into the public domain.
40. 40
    We also heard some concern that regulation of anaerobic digestors is limited and needs to... Conclusion · paragraph 200 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We also heard some concern that regulation of anaerobic digestors is limited and needs to improve, with suggestions including a requirement for regular leak assessments for all sites.
41. 41
    The Government should review regulatory oversight of anaerobic digestors and give serious consideration to the... Recommendation · paragraph 201 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should review regulatory oversight of anaerobic digestors and give serious consideration to the requirement for regular leak assessments for all sites.
42. 42
    We are concerned that the Renewables Obligation scheme which has enabled dramatic methane mitigation in... Conclusion · paragraph 202 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We are concerned that the Renewables Obligation scheme which has enabled dramatic methane mitigation in the waste sector since 1990 is set to expire with no clarity on what support, if any, will follow after 31 March 2027.
43. 43
    The Government should consider how to ensure that the end of these incentives is not... Recommendation · paragraph 203 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should consider how to ensure that the end of these incentives is not coupled with a rise in emissions. With the end date of this scheme having been set since its inception, there should be every reason to provide clarity and certainty to industry about what may follow. The Government should urgently assess the impact of the scheme ending, both with regard to the possible loss of energy provided to the grid and to the potential rise in emissions from the waste sector. As part of this, the Government should assess the cost of continuing current incentives or instituting a replacement.
44. 44
    An important pre-requisite for reducing methane emissions from the waste sector is the reduction of... Conclusion · paragraph 204 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    An important pre-requisite for reducing methane emissions from the waste sector is the reduction of organic waste that will decompose to generate methane; this has many co-benefits. Reducing food waste not only reduces methane emissions as the waste decomposes, but also embedded emissions from production. For example, when meat is wasted not only does it emit methane after disposal, but also the emissions that rise through its production and the life of the animal are wasted.
45. 45
    The Government should provide an update on progress in the prevention and reduction of residential,... Recommendation · paragraph 205 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should provide an update on progress in the prevention and reduction of residential, commercial, and institutional organic waste generation. This could include further upstream interventions to tackle food waste and packaging waste, if the cost is proportionate.
46. 46
    We heard that Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is working to improve estimation... Conclusion · paragraph 206 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We heard that Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is working to improve estimation of methane emissions from landfill, which would facilitate targeted action on methane at different areas of landfill sites, and an improved understanding of the issue of methane emissions from different waste management activities.
47. 47
    The Government should provide an update on this work, including target dates for when the... Recommendation · paragraph 207 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should provide an update on this work, including target dates for when the projects are expected to achieve their aims to develop direct measurement of landfill emissions at site level.
48. 48
    We have concerns about waste crime. Conclusion · paragraph 208 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We have concerns about waste crime. Some witnesses suggested that the illegal disposal of waste outside of regulated facilities may mean methane emissions from the sector are significantly higher than official figures. We were not convinced that the Government or Environment Agency have sufficient grip of this issue.
49. 49
    The Government should take action to reduce waste crime by reviewing regulation to ensure it... Recommendation · paragraph 209 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should take action to reduce waste crime by reviewing regulation to ensure it is fit for the 21st century, particularly regarding the licensing of waste carriers. The Government should explore how it can enable greater collaboration between the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and HMRC.
50. 50
    We welcome the efforts and progress made to date in ending routine venting and flaring. Conclusion · paragraph 276 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We welcome the efforts and progress made to date in ending routine venting and flaring. Industry has told us that further progress is underway, and we heard from the regulator that they will be receiving letters from operators outlining their actions to achieve the 2030 target date.
51. 51
    Transparency and accountability on progress towards the target date must be enhanced. Conclusion · paragraph 277 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Transparency and accountability on progress towards the target date must be enhanced. A roadmap should be published by industry to enable Government and the public to monitor industry’s progress. This should detail the obstacles to tackling routine flaring and venting at the level of individual oil and gas platforms.
52. 52
    Whilst operators already undertake Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR), there is an opportunity to reduce... Conclusion · paragraph 278 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Whilst operators already undertake Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR), there is an opportunity to reduce methane emissions from leaks by supporting improvements to LDAR processes. Other countries are already leading the way with enhanced LDAR, including by directly mandating the frequency of LDAR practices.
53. 53
    The Government should consult with industry and regulators on existing LDAR practices and consider how... Recommendation · paragraph 278 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should consult with industry and regulators on existing LDAR practices and consider how they can be improved.
54. 54
    Multiple witnesses asserted that methane emissions from the UK oil and gas sector could be... Conclusion · paragraph 279 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Multiple witnesses asserted that methane emissions from the UK oil and gas sector could be reduced significantly at zero net cost and using existing technologies. We heard suggestions that the economic benefits of reducing methane emissions may not be fully appreciated.
55. 55
    Some witnesses questioned the accuracy of methane emissions data from the oil and gas sector. Conclusion · paragraph 280 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Some witnesses questioned the accuracy of methane emissions data from the oil and gas sector. While these data are not currently verified, we heard support for improved verification from both industry and the regulator. Ensuring confidence in the accuracy of the UK’s methane emissions data is important.
56. 56
    The Government should consider the costs and benefits of bringing UK measurement, monitoring, reporting and... Recommendation · paragraph 280 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should consider the costs and benefits of bringing UK measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) in line with EU standards as a matter of urgency. Whilst progress on UK MMRV is ongoing, Government should aim to clarify where discrepancies arise in reports of UK methane emissions, and should take steps to resolve these discrepancies.
57. 57
    Imminent advances in measurement such as MethaneSAT will provide more empirical data on methane emissions... Conclusion · paragraph 281 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Imminent advances in measurement such as MethaneSAT will provide more empirical data on methane emissions with greater geographical accuracy. This will enable increased scrutiny and support the Government in holding oil and gas operators to account.
58. 58
    Regulatory oversight of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is complex, and includes... Conclusion · paragraph 282 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Regulatory oversight of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is complex, and includes the Health and Safety Executive, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) and the Environment Agency. Each of these regulatory bodies serves a different regulatory purpose. While not inevitably in conflict, absolute clarity and close coordination on these roles and responsibilities is necessary to deliver a joined-up outcome. In this respect, we were concerned that the NSTA and OPRED both described the other as the lead regulator for methane emissions from the sector. We were concerned that this may risk gaps in oversight and transparency.
59. 59
    The NSTA were confident that their current fining powers, and related reputational damage, are a... Conclusion · paragraph 283 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The NSTA were confident that their current fining powers, and related reputational damage, are a sufficient deterrent for regulatory breaches. The NSTA has the power to fine operators up to £1 million, but the maximum fine levied to date was £225,000. However, as the industry moves closer to the ban on routine venting and flaring and regulation becomes stricter, a more robust approach may be necessary. The
60. 60
    The NSTA should consider making greater use of its existing powers. Recommendation · paragraph 283 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The NSTA should consider making greater use of its existing powers. This includes being prepared to issue larger fines.
61. 61
    Given the significance of methane as a greenhouse gas, including methane in the UK Emissions... Recommendation · paragraph 284 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    Given the significance of methane as a greenhouse gas, including methane in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme is a sensible step. The Government should consider methane separately from other climate pollutants such as carbon dioxide if it is included in the UK ETS, in a similar way to the methane fee in the United States. The Government should clarify its position on this.
62. 62
    There are a large number of regulators with a role in methane-emitting sectors. Conclusion · paragraph 296 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    There are a large number of regulators with a role in methane-emitting sectors. However, regulation of methane appears piecemeal and disjointed, with an emphasis on encouraging best practice on a voluntary basis rather than mandating focused monitoring and mitigation. A lack of regulation stymies commercial investment in monitoring technologies that have been proven by academic research.
63. 63
    There is a particular regulatory gap in the Environment Agency’s remit. Recommendation · paragraph 297 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    There is a particular regulatory gap in the Environment Agency’s remit. The Government could consider placing an obligation on the Environment Agency to consider methane mitigation to address this. We note that the Environment Agency’s remit covers only England.
64. 64
    There is no single body or Government department with oversight of methane emissions across different... Conclusion · paragraph 298 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    There is no single body or Government department with oversight of methane emissions across different sectors. We heard that this could lead to gaps in regulation where methane emissions were not being adequately monitored or managed.
65. 65
    The Government could consider how a systems approach can be undertaken in the oversight of... Recommendation · paragraph 299 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government could consider how a systems approach can be undertaken in the oversight of methane emissions in the UK. This would involve steps to better integrate the work of Government departments and regulators and avoid gaps or areas of overlap.
66. 66
    Regulators must have a greater and clearer focus on mitigating methane, particularly with regards to... Conclusion · paragraph 300 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Regulators must have a greater and clearer focus on mitigating methane, particularly with regards to monitoring and verification of emissions. The then Government’s conviction that regulation was clear and working well was not shared by a significant proportion of our witnesses.