A proposed framework for a program seeking voluntary methane reduction and reporting commitments from oil and natural gas companies was met with cautious optimism by industry groups, while environmentalists said the program would not do enough to curb emissions. The voluntary Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program, which the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed, is designed to recognize companies going above and beyond existing voluntary actions. EPA said Thursday that participation would be limited to those looking to achieve “ambitious” methane reduction goals, transparently track and account for their progress and demonstrate continuous improvement over time. The agency touted the program’s emphasis on meaningful and transparent commitments yielding “significant methane emissions reductions in a quick, flexible, cost-effective way.” But industry groups are more skeptical about the proposal. Oil and gas groups expressed interest in working with EPA on the program, but also noted emission-reduction successes already seen, based on […]