Participation continues emphasis on safe and responsible operations
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Fuel Gas Company and five of its subsidiaries, spanning all key
sectors of the natural gas value chain, announced their recent acceptance into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program. This voluntary program within the energy industry is designed to provide a transparent
platform for utilities, pipeline and storage companies, and energy producers to make, track, and communicate commitments to reduce
methane emissions.
“For more than 116 years, National Fuel, its affiliates, and employees have been committed to operating safely and responsibly
as important members of our local, national, and world communities,” said Ronald J. Tanski, President and Chief Executive Officer
at National Fuel Gas Company. “As one of our Company’s guiding principles, environmental stewardship reflects our understanding and
deep appreciation for the vital role we play in upholding standards of environmental protection. Our participation in the Methane
Challenge is further evidence of our commitment to protecting the environment and natural resources.”
Each participating subsidiary of National Fuel is making independent commitments under the Methane Challenge Best Management
Practices that are appropriate to its business with the expectation to further reduce methane emissions. National Fuel’s companies
have committed to analyze new and innovative approaches for further emission reduction and to explore the applicability of future
best management practices or expansions of current best practices.
Seneca Resources Company, LLC, the Company’s exploration and production subsidiary, is committed to continuous improvement
efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit its potential environmental footprint. Since 2015, Seneca has partnered with
the EPA to voluntarily reduce methane emissions through its participation in the Natural Gas STAR Program and committed to
implementing a number of best management practices for reducing methane emissions where feasible, often beyond regulatory
requirements, and has reported methane reduction actions annually to the EPA.
National Fuel’s midstream operations, comprised of National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation, Empire Pipeline, Inc., National Fuel
Gas Midstream Company, LLC, work to expand the pipeline network to satisfy the growing demand for natural gas supplies. Across
these businesses, engineers have been focused on developing best management practices and utilizing the best available technologies
and materials that mitigate and reduce emissions from our new facilities. A particular emphasis has been on the design,
construction, and operation of compressor station facilities with investment in technologies that meet and often go beyond what is
required by stringent federal and state regulations.
National Fuel’s utility subsidiary National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation has been focused on improving safety while
reducing methane emissions from utility mains and service lines through system modernization, as well as initiatives to lower our
customers’ carbon footprint through energy efficiency and conservation. The Company’s replacement of older natural gas
infrastructure with more modern materials and technologies has resulted in fewer leaks across the system and should continue to
lower methane emissions. From 2012 through 2017, the utility has seen a 17.4 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,
primarily methane, as reported to the U.S. EPA under subpart W of 40 CFR Part 98.
“With each well we drill, every pipeline we build, and as we continually replace older utility infrastructure, National Fuel’s
employees are dedicated to protecting the environment and the health and safety of the members of our communities,” Tanski
said.
National Fuel is a diversified energy company headquartered in Western New York that operates an integrated collection of
natural gas and oil assets across multiple business segments, including Exploration & Production, Pipeline & Storage, Gathering,
Utility, and Energy Marketing. Additional information about National Fuel is available at www.nationalfuel.com. National
Fuel’s guiding principles and environmental commitments are available on its Corporate Responsibility site at http://responsibility.natfuel.com.
Analyst Contact: Kenneth E.
Webster 716-857-7067
Media Contact: Karen L. Merkel
716-857-7654
