What is The Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP)?

The Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) is a US Federal government initiative designed to reduce methane and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) through a combination of regulations, incentives, and other efforts. This program was born out of and is largely funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and targets industries known for high methane emissions, including oil and gas operations, agriculture, and waste management. 

MERP seeks to establish stricter regulations and standards for methane emissions and new detection technologies and reporting requirements to improve accuracy and accountability. Financial incentives such as grants, loans, and tax credits as well as access to technical support are being used to encourage participation in the program. One objective of the program is for research and development to continually improve methods and technologies be done collaboratively between government and the private sector. 

MERP also plans to educate the public on the impact of methane on the environment. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is over twenty-five times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere and considered a significant contributor to global warming. The hope is that increased awareness will drive greater demand for the outcomes the program is designed to produce. 

On June 21, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy announced the availability of $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help measure and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. This funding is intended specifically for small oil and gas operators. Applications are currently being accepted for this funding and applicants must display that they have commitments to their community, job creation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and to providing benefit to disadvantaged communities as part of the Justice40 Initiative. 

This recent funding is part of a government-wide strategy to reduce methane emissions across all industries and is outlined in the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. There are a number of initiatives in this plan with many still in development, all aimed at accelerating reducing methane emissions, improving affordability, helping disadvantaged communities, creating good jobs, and advancing the Biden administrations ambitious climate goals.