CALGARY — Jan Gorski, responsible fossil fuels analyst at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the announcement of a new methane emissions reduction program in Alberta:

“It is great to see Alberta supporting small and medium oil and gas companies in reducing methane emissions. The Methane Emissions Reduction Program will spur early action on efforts to reduce methane emissions, which is critical to maximizing benefits. Supporting smaller companies is key to economic growth.

“The Methane Emissions Reduction Program needs to be paired with strong methane regulations that ensure credible action to reduce methane emissions. The Government of Alberta’s proposed regulations released in April 2018 fail to meet the province’s methane emissions targets and do not provide a credible regulatory approach to managing methane emissions.

“Taking action on methane is the oil and gas industry’s least expensive, most effective way to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in their operations.”