Underlying Devon’s commitment to the exploration and production of oil and natural gas is its sense of responsibility for the environment and the communities that surround our operations. We strive to minimize our footprint and conduct our business in ways that are compatible with the air, water and natural habitat. Our acceptance of environmental accountability differentiates us and helps to define us.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency works closely with Devon through its Natural Gas STAR Program, a voluntary partnership of industry and government to reduce methane emissions. The program includes 30 of the nation’s largest oil and natural gas producers. The federal program honored Devon with its 2005 Natural Gas STAR Production Partner of the Year award for its unparalleled accomplishments in reducing the volume of natural gas emitted from its production operations.
The agency recognized Devon’s continuing emission reduction efforts, which prevented more than 8 billion cubic feet of methane from being released into the atmosphere in 2006. That is enough natural gas to heat almost 117,000 homes for an entire year. In terms of air quality, the reduction is equivalent to planting some 980,000 acres of trees or taking more than 718,000 cars off the road for a year. The emission reduction effort has resulted in the availability of more natural gas for consumers.
There are a number of things that make our emission reduction program successful. Our field personnel understands the importance of emission reduction, and we encourage them to look for opportunities to improve and to exchange ideas about how emissions can be reduced further.
Though Devon joined the EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program in 2003, its formal emission reduction efforts have been under way since 1990. In 2004, our first full year as a partner, the EPA program recognized Devon’s performance with the 2004 Natural Gas STAR Rookie of the Year award. Also in 2004, Devon helped the EPA produce a promotional video for the Natural Gas STAR Program. Devon President John Richels also served as keynote speaker at the EPA program’s annual implementation workshop in Houston.
Devon’s progress as a Gas STAR partner has set a high standard for the industry. With years of experience and repeated recognition as an industry leader, Devon has a solid foundation for continued accomplishment in the area of methane emission reduction. We are one of the world’s leading independent natural gas producers and natural gas emission reduction is an important part of our commitment to environmental stewardship.