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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Report: Methane mitigation industry grows in LA, nationwide

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Friday, February 21, 2025   

A new report on growth in the methane mitigation industry shows positive developments for oil and gas companies, as well as the environment.

The report commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund showed the number of mitigation manufacturing and service firms has seen dramatic increases in recent years, creating jobs in Louisiana and nationwide.

Methane is the primary component of natural gas, but as a greenhouse gas is many times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Isaac Brown, executive director of the Center for Methane Emissions Solutions, said when wells or equipment leak there is harm to the environment and the bottom line.

"Capturing methane emissions is truly one of those win-win propositions," Brown contended. "We can reduce a significant contributor to climate change, but we can also benefit communities and the economy by creating good paying jobs and preserving gas that can then be sold in the marketplace."

The report ranked Louisiana 6th in the nation with 36 employee locations in the state.

Estimates indicate nationwide around $2 billion worth of methane is wasted annually by venting, flaring, and leaks. Mitigation reduces emissions both by manufacturing low or zero-emission equipment and via leak detection and measurement.

Leak detection is a fast-growing area on the industry's manufacturing and service sides. Emerging technologies include infrared cameras, drone-based sensors, and satellite monitoring. The report found most of the manufacturing and service firms are small businesses employing fewer than 50 people.

As regulations around methane emissions have increased in recent years, Brown pointed out growth in the mitigation industry enables firms of all sizes to adjust.

"Oil and gas producers of all sizes have flexibility," Brown explained. "They can choose the market solution that makes the most sense for their business, that allows them to reduce methane waste, which preserves their product. But they can do so in a way that doesn't present tremendous financial burdens for them as they try to figure out how to comply."

The report found wages in the sector are competitive, with median annual salaries in manufacturing between $40,000 and $120,000 a year. Among service firms, the range is $47,000 to $145,000 a year.


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