Activities of Nicolás GONZÁLEZ CASARES related to 2021/2006(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
An EU strategy to reduce methane emissions (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on an EU strategy to reduce methane emissions
Amendments (45)
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions; supports a clear pathway and framework to addressmitigate methane emissions in a more comprehensive fashion across Europe and internationally, by fostering synergies between sectors to strengthen the business case for capturing and avoiding methane emissions and to contribute to achieving the EU decarbonisation objectives;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Whereas methane is a powerful greenhouse gas (GHG), and the second largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide; it also contributes to tropospheric ozone formation, a potent local air pollutant that causes serious health problems.
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Whereas the concentration of methane in the atmosphere is currently approximately two and a half times higher than pre-industrial levels and is constantly increasing;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Whereas recent studies1a estimate that global anthropogenic fossil methane emissions are underestimated by about 25 to 40 %; _________________ 1a https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586- 020-1991-8
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Whereas, the International Energy Agency, indicates in its Net Zero by 2050 report that, methane emissions from fossil fuels should be reduced by 75% between 2020 to 2030 in the Net-Zero Emissions Scenario;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Whereas the EU Climate Law sets the GHG emissions reduction objective of at least 55 %by 2030 and the goal of a climate-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, in line with the Paris Agreement; while Parliament has endorsed the goal of reducing GHG gas emissions by 60 % by 2030;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1 g. Whereas a large number of the most cost-effective methane emission savings can be achieved in the energy sector; whereas International Energy Agency’s Methane Tracker indicates that around 40% of energy related methane emissions can be abated at no-net cost.
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1 h. Whereas EU is the largest importer of oil and gas; whereas the EU imports up to 85% of gas, and the methane footprint of gas produced in supplier countries is estimated to be between three and eight times larger than the methane emissions generated within the EU;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1 i. Whereas the fossil fuels phase-out will contribute to mitigate methane emissions;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1 j. Whereas fugitive emissions from leaking equipment, infrastructure or closed and abandoned sites as well as emissions from venting and incomplete combustion of methane represent the majority of methane emissions in the energy sector;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 k (new)
Paragraph 1 k (new)
1 k. Whereas there is EU regulation that helps providing information on methane emissions, including Regulation 2006/166 on the E-PRTR and Directive 2010/75 on industrial emissions, but there is currently no policy in the EU aimed specifically reducing methane emissions;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the European Climate Law commisets the EU to reachingGHG emissions reduction objective of at least 55% by 2030 and the goal of a climate -neutralit economy by 2050 with increased emission reductions by 2030at the latest, in line with the Paris Agreement; whereas addressing energy- related methane emissions as the sector where more cost-effective methane emissions saving can be achieved, is a key component of the European Green Deal, as are measures in the agriculture and waste sectors; whereas the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions notes that the EU should also play a roletake the leadership in ensuring methane emission reductions at global level, as the largest global importer of fossil fuels and a significant player in the agriculture sector;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the major role of natural gas in meeting today’s global energy demandnecessity to decarbonise the gas sector to achieve the climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and stresses that the part itof the gas sector plays in the energy transition will be influenced by the extent to which methane emissions are further reducedalso depend on successful reduction of related methane emissions;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas reducing methane emissions is indispensable in the fight against climate change, as indicated in the impact assessment of the 2030 climate target plan (SWD(2020)176 final) which indicates that the target of at least 55% of greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 requires to tackle methane emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement; wWhereas methane emissions are the second largest contributor to climate change and to tropospheric ozone formation which contribute to air pollution and whereas it is therefore necessary to tackle these emissions in order to protect the health of EU citizens;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas cutting methane emissions can have a quicker impact on slowing the rate of global warming than reducing CO2 emissions, since methane does not stay in the atmosphere for as long, and it could therefore be one of the most cost-effective strategies to rapidly reduce the rate of warming and avoid some tipping points for global warming; complementary to the efforts that we must continue to make to reduce CO2 emissions, across all sector affected in order to achieve a climate- neural economy by 2050.
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the preparation of legislation for the energy sector with binding rules on monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and leak detection and repair, and the consideration offor all energy-related methane emissions, including imports, building on the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) methodology, the mandatory and leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs, and the rules on baning routine venting and flaring in the energy sector covering the full supply chain, up to the point of production;
Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the consideration of legislation on targets and standards to reduce methane emissions from fossil fuels consumed, including imports;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas there is no policy in the EU to specifically set measures to reduce methane emissions in a cross-sectoral way;
Amendment 80 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Furthermore, considers that a mandatory framework for an accurate MRV system must rely on detailed reports, a detailed study of equipment, and the application of the most updated emission factors throughout the oil, gas and coal supply chain; Calls for a requirement for direct measurements by [2024];
Amendment 83 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Stresses that that the reporting data on methane emissions should be public or, in the case of sensitive information, available to competent authorities and independent verifiers; Calls on the Commission to develop a third-party verification system to assess and verify the emissions data across the whole supply chain;
Amendment 87 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Calls for implementing a compulsory framework on LDAR across the whole supply chain, imports included, of fossil gas, oil, and coal, as well as biogas and biomethane, with the aim to ensure that all methane leaks are covered, level playing field accomplished, the reduction of methane-intensive imports promoted and carbon leakage avoided; Underscores that the LDAR technologies and requirements are already available; calls for implementation the LDAR legislation no later than [one] year;
Amendment 91 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. Requests that once leaks are fixed within a strictly defined timeframe, the leaks should be re-surveyed to check if the repair was done correctly;
Amendment 93 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. Calls on the Commission to ban routine venting and flaring (BRVF) in the energy sector covering the full supply chain, excluding safety reasons, up to the point of production by at the latest [2023]; Commission should also develop a framework for assessing fossil gas imports and their compliance with the BRVF;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the cross-sectoral approach outlined in the EU strategy to reducmitigate methane emissions and fully supports a faiclear framework and pathway covering the agriculture, waste and energy sectors; , which allow to create synergies between these sectors and the related socio-economical aspect and to achieve the EU decarbonisations objectives throughout Europe and international business.
Amendment 97 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3 g. Calls on the Commission to adopt specific measures to address super- emitters;
Amendment 98 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3 h. Welcomes the Commission initiatives to eliminate methane emissions from active or unused coalmines and abandoned oil and gas wells in the EU; measures on MRV and mitigation of methane emissions should ensure finding, sealing, and monitoring of abandoned wells, as well as capping of wells without legal ownership: this should not induce promotion of benefits or neglection of responsibilities of the owners responsible for its sealing;
Amendment 101 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that research, development and innovation and the implementation of fit-for-purpose technologies and best available practices to improve MRV, LDAR , BRVF and mitigate methane emissions are at the backbone of effective action; supports the mobilisation of funding from Horizon Europe, including technology solutions for sustainable production of biomethane, avoiding trade- offs, and for establishing an international methane emissions observatory;
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Agrees that improved top-down data from satellites in the framework of the Copernicus programme, as well as aerial monitoring, will assist in targeting leak detecventing, flaring and leak detection; Highlights that satellite data allows independent verification of a company’s footprint and facilitates engagement on a mitigation; strongly supports the sharing of information and technologies among stakeholders in order to catalyse abatement efforts;
Amendment 118 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for a thorough assessment of the cost efficiency of the actions proposed in the energy sector, which should consider local conditions and the specific aspects of the various parts of the value chain and provide flexibilityassistance to the industry for their implementation;
Amendment 122 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to consider a target on renewable and decarbonised gases for 2030, as this would facilitate the development of biomethaneWelcomes the review of the Third Energy Package for gas to facilitate the adoption of renewable gases and decarbonise this sector; welcomes the new Energy Sector Integration Strategy and its proposals to achieve a more circular energy system by the sustainable use of unavoidable waste and residues for biogas and biomethane production; calls on the Commission to consider in the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive measures to strengthen the sustainability criteria and to facilitate the development of sustainable biogas and biomethane, while helping to reduce methane emissions, and ensure the deployment of the most cost- efficient solutions across the Member States., exploiting synergies between sectors and avoiding perverse incentives that could lead to an overall increase in emissions;
Amendment 135 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recalls the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks in the energy sector to ensure the resilience of the energy system, including the reduction of leaks; Calls on the Commission to assess whether further actions are needed to prevent cyber-attacks;
Amendment 141 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Stresses that when establishing the process and rules to address methane emissions, greenwashing measures should be avoided, especially with the use of offsets as a tool for compensating methane emissions;
Amendment 142 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls upon the Commission to go further than voluntary industry initiatives and to incentivize early adoption of advanced technology through EU legislation;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the upcoming legislative proposal on compulsory MRV for all energy-related methane emissions; and calls for the implementation of a compulsory and continuous MRV framework and LDAR system across the whole supply chain, of fossil gas, oil, coal, biogas, including imports from third countries with a third-party verifier system combined with other monitoring methods, to promote the detection, repair and control for all the methane leaks and the reduction of methane-intensive imports, based on quarterly surveys with state-of-the-art technologies, and with clear deadlines for repairs and resurvey;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that currently a number of MRV and LDAR technologies are available; it is therefore necessary to adopt legislation to this effect without delay;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. WelcomesCalls on the Commission’s to proposal to consider legislatioe a ban on venting and flaring in the energy sector covering, if feasible, the full supply chain, by making new legislative proposals in this regard; considers that existing national legislation addressing routine venting and flaring, taking into account complex safety and environmental aspects, must be taken into consideration when developing EU legislation;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges that imports comprise over four fifths of the oil and gas consumed in the EU and that most methane emissions associated with oil and gas occur outside EU borders; calls on the Commission to exploreunderscores the urgency to reduce all methane emissions linked to oil and gas consumption in the EU and calls on the Commission to ensure the scope of the obligations in its proposal for a legislative act to reduce methane emissions in the oil, gas and coal sectors applies across the supply chain including imports, up to the point of production; stresses that mitigation measures must not substitute an ambitious and swift transition to an energy system based on renewable energy and energy efficiency; calls on the Commission to implement regulatory tools for fossil energy imports, including and to extending forthcoming obligations on MRV, LDAR, venting and flaring to imports; the whole fossil gas and oil supply chain, including on imports up to and including production;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to include all feedstock uses of fossils gas and oil, including when used for non- energy purposes such as to produce petrochemicals, in its proposal for a legislative act to reduce methane emissions in the oil, gas and coal sectors;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set a deadline to propose and support the development of an international agreement on methane mitigation, promoting coordinated actions to reduce methane emissions, and to consider potential trade measures to ensure methane abatement through market access for fossil energy based on methane mitigation requirements;
Amendment 240 #
11a. Calls on the Commission to adopt a specific programme on MRV and emissions mitigation in abandoned oil and gas sites, with dedicated funding for addressing emissions from wells without known ownership;
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights the possible role of sustainable biogas and biomethane in creating employment in general but in particular in affected rural areas;
Amendment 377 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reminds the Commission that the United Nations suggests introducing a price for methane emissions or an emissions reduction target; calls on the Commission to introduce these measures in current and future legislation;
Amendment 380 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the Commission to implement education programs throughout the European Union in order to achieve green education in early childhood, specially related to the fight against Climate Change through the implementation of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals;