A recently released Virginia Department of Energy report describes the “clear environmental benefits” and “job opportunities and capital investment” mine methane capture could have for Virginia.

The Waste Gas Capture Initiative (WGCI) is applauding a new report published by the Virginia Department of Energy describing the environmental and economic benefits of coal mine methane (CMM) capture and utilization. WGCI Executive Director Mike Moore issued the following statement on the release of the report published last month:

“The Virginia Department of Energy’s report affirms what so many of us in the industry have known to be true, that mine methane capture is a technology with the potential to provide significant environmental and economic benefits for communities across the state,” said WGCI Executive Director Mike Moore. “As an organization dedicated to securing America’s sustainable energy future, the WGCI applauds the report’s findings in recognizing that investing in the power of mine methane capture will lead to a cleaner environment and job creation for families and communities across Virginia. We look forward to working with Virginia lawmakers to ensure a better future.”

The Virginia Department of Energy’s recent report, “Virginia Department of Energy

Evaluation of Policy Options to Encourage the Capture and Beneficial Use of Coal Mine Methane,” describes CMM capture’s “clear environmental benefits in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, as well as job opportunities and capital investment in Southwest Virginia.” The report noted that taking no action would result in a “missed opportunity,” and the Virginia Department of Energy ultimately recommended that the General Assembly consider passing incentives for capturing and using CMM given its clear economic and environmental benefits.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

• Given that CMM is a highly potent and highly abundant GHG, its capture and utilization have clear environmental benefits for Virginia.
  • 173,564 metric tons of methane are emitted from active and abandoned mines in Virginia annually (a CO2 equivalent of 9.6 million metric tons).
• Applications for its use include transportation fuel and electricity production, making CMM an abundant alternative energy source that can reduce carbon emissions by 90%.
• Coupled with its environmental benefits, CMM capture also offers Virginia a chance to capitalize on an underutilized economic resource and pursue economic growth and job creation in regions impacted by the energy transition, like Southwest Virginia.
• The Department of Energy recommended that the General Assembly pursue incentives for the development of CMM capture and utilization efforts and consider CMM use as an alternative to other potential efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

About WGCI

The WGCI represents leading American energy industry partners, NGOs, and experts who are committed to recognizing the economic benefits and environmental impact of a strong mine methane capture industry. Visit wastegascapture.com and follow @WGCInitiative on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn for more information.