Chevron targets 5 U.S. well sites in project to curb emissions

(Bloomberg) — Chevron Corp. is looking to show it can lower methane emissions at five oil well sites in Texas and Colorado as part of an industry push into “responsibly sourced” gas.

The energy giant is seeking independent certification at the sites from environmental assessment firm Project Canary, which will review and analyze information on emissions and other environmental aspects at the wells, which produce both oil and associated gas. Chevron will also deploy Project Canary’s monitoring devices at some locations, the company said Wednesday in a statement.

Energy companies including Exxon Mobil Corp., EQT Corp. and Southwestern Energy Co. have rushed to demonstrate they can produce gas with low resulting emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributor. In the process, they have largely pursued certification from Denver-based Project Canary and non-profit MiQ.

The push for gas deemed responsibly sourced based on its environmental credentials has been met with skepticism by environmental groups including the Sierra Club. Concerns include that companies can cherry-pick and showcase their cleanest assets while not disclosing impacts from their dirtiest operations.