At Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship (CRS), we are firm believers in the old adage: waste not, want not. To that end, we have been advocating for standards that reduce the amount of natural gas (methane) we lose through leaks, shoddy maintenance, unnecessary flaring, etc.
And as we work to reduce methane waste and pollution, we are witnessing just how conservation and economic prosperity go hand in hand. Not only does this work conserve a valuable energy resource, but it is spurring job growth and economic opportunity.
A new analysis by Datu Research shows just how a costly waste problem has spawned a growing industry that is creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and reducing natural gas waste. This ensures that our energy production is cleaner and more efficient.
A Booming Industry
The methane mitigation industry is rapidly expanding, creating high-quality jobs and driving innovation in emissions-reducing technology. This growth isn’t accidental—it’s fueled by smart policies that provide regulatory certainty, allowing businesses to develop cost-effective solutions. States like Texas, California, and Colorado are leading the way, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic opportunity go hand in hand.
Datu Research’s latest findings highlight the rapid expansion of methane mitigation:
• The number of methane mitigation firms has jumped 23.7% since 2021, reaching 268 companies.
• Employee locations have grown by 39%, totaling 1,040 nationwide.
• Texas is the industry’s epicenter, home to 291 company locations—28% of the national total.
• California and Colorado remain at the forefront of innovation, with 87 and 74 locations, respectively.
• Leak detection and measurement technology leads the sector, with 55 companies producing these tools.
• Demand for solutions that reduce flaring and improve combustion efficiency has spiked by 61% since 2021.
Why This Matters
We believe in smart, responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Methane (natural gas) is a powerful greenhouse gas, with over 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide in the short term. Right now, U.S. oil and gas operations waste 16 million metric tons of gas annually—that’s $2 billion worth of our natural gas lost into the atmosphere.
The good news? The methane mitigation industry is deploying cutting-edge technology to detect leaks, boost efficiency, and capture this valuable energy resource. This is not just helping safeguard our air and life-sustaining atmosphere, it’s making businesses more profitable. Less waste means more revenue and a stronger energy sector.
Better yet, the jobs created are high-quality and well-paying. Manufacturing roles in methane mitigation offer salaries between $39,720 and $127,120 per year, while service-related positions range from $47,670 to $145,080.
The Road Ahead
The takeaway is simple: economic growth and environmental responsibility are not at odds—they reinforce each other.
As Ronald Reagan put it so well: “Our physical health, our social happiness, and our economic well-being will be sustained only by all of us working in partnership as thoughtful, effective stewards of our natural resources.”
The methane mitigation industry is proof of this. It is a testament that smart investments and practical policies can create jobs, strengthen businesses, and make American energy more efficient.
As conservatives, we stand for solutions that are effective, fiscally responsible, and forward-thinking. Methane mitigation checks all those boxes. By investing in this industry, we’re not only protecting valuable energy resources—we’re securing a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous future.
Methane mitigation is a clear example of how conservative principles can drive real solutions. Let’s hope the new administration in Washington understands this and will keep in place the policies that are reducing waste while fueling this great new economic opportunity.
