Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Systems

page last updated: December 3, 2025

Definitions

The decline in natural gas distribution system methane emissions in the U.S. is a result of decades of regulatory efforts, technological improvements, and industry initiatives to reduce leaks and improve efficiency.
Methane is the main component of natural gas, and because it’s a potent greenhouse gas, reducing emissions has been a high priority.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Year	Exploration Emissions	Production Emissions	Processing Emissions	Transmission and Storage Emissions	Distribution Emissions
2022	0.2	89.7	15.1	39.6	15.2
2021	0.1	92.2	14.2	39.8	15.3
2020	0.2	96.7	13.8	41.1	15.5
2019	2.1	103.6	14.2	40.5	15.5
2018	2.6	104.9	13.5	41.2	15.6
2017	1.4	101.6	12.9	39.9	15.7
2016	0.7	98.9	12.5	41.6	15.9
2015	1	103.6	12.3	42.4	16
2014	0.9	105.1	12.3	40.5	16.1
2013	1.9	106.7	12	40.9	16.3
2012	2.6	107.7	11.2	40.7	16.5
2011	5.3	109.7	11.2	41.4	16.5
2010	10.5	107.5	11.3	42.6	17.9
2009	13.6	109.5	11.6	42.7	19.8
2008	23.6	108.6	11.9	43.5	21.7
2007	23.4	104	12.3	43.7	22.8
2006	23.9	100.3	12.7	44.3	27.1
2005	19.6	93.4	13	46	28.5
2004	18	93.3	13.5	48.6	29.9
2003	17.2	90.2	14	49.2	31.1

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