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To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we need economic means of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO 2) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). We analyze the sequestration potential of the Intermountain West (I-West) region, US, as a primary energy transition hub through analysis of wellbore retrofit potential and emission reduction in both fugitive gas abatement and flare gas. We selected the I-West region due to its abundant energy sources and oil and gas production legacy. Preliminary analysis hints that well retrofits can breathe new life into a well at a fraction of the cost of a new drill. With millions of potential candidates in the US, even a modest fraction (1% or less) suitable for retrofit could accelerate the shift to large-scale CO 2 sequestration. Fugitive gas, the unintentional release of wellbore gases such as methane, is a significant emissions source. Through conservative analysis, it is estimated that wellhead leakage alone may account for 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions. We conclude by assessing the CO 2 emissions from flaring, which is the burning of associated gas during well operations, conservative analysis indicates flaring contributes another 2 million tonnes of CO 2 emissions to the region. We find that with targeted retrofit and better controls on emissions sources, the I-West region can make a significant impact in the nation's push to become net-zero. This study outlines economic feasibility and actionable items to achieve the critical reductions in emissions and increases in sequestration necessary to attain net zero. • A holistic analysis of fugitive and flaring gas emissions along with well retrofit potential. • Wellhead emissions and flaring contribute significantly to GHG emissions. • Well retrofitting is a viable, cost-effective option for CO 2 sequestration. • The I-WEST region possesses great potential for CO 2 sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-reflective "cool" walls reduce absorption of sunlight by the building envelope, which may decrease cooling load in warm weather and increase heating load in cool weather. Changes to annual heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy use depend on climate, wall construction, wall orientation, building geometry, HVAC efficiency, and operating schedule. Changes to annual energy cost and energy-related emissions further vary with local energy prices and emission factors. We used EnergyPlus to perform over 100,000 whole-building energy simulations, spanning 10 different building categories, three building vintages, 16 California climate zones, and 15 United States (U.S.) climate zones. Cool walls yielded annual source energy, energy cost, and emission savings in all California climate zones and in warm U.S. (ASHRAE) climate zones. In California, annual whole-building HVAC energy cost savings were 4.0–27% in single-family homes, 0.5–3.8% in medium office buildings, and 0.0–8.5% in stand-alone retail stores. In warm U.S. climates—zones 1A (Miami, FL) through 4B (Albuquerque, NM)—annual HVAC energy cost savings were 1.8–8.3% in single-family homes, 0.3–4.6% in medium office buildings, and 0.5–11% in stand-alone retail stores. California and U.S. fractional source energy and emission savings were comparable to fractional energy cost savings. Per unit surface area modified, cool-wall savings often exceeded cool-roof savings because building codes typically prescribe much less wall insulation than roof insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric ammonia plays an important role in a number of environmental issues, including new particle formation and aerosol indirect radiative forcing. Over the United States, atmospheric ammonia has seen an increasing trend due in most part to the declining SO2 and NOx emissions. We conduct the first comprehensive assessment of multiyear Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)‐Chem simulated ammonia concentration ([NH3]) over conterminous United States along with surface observations from all 90 National Atmospheric Deposition Program Ammonia Monitoring Network (AMoN) sites that have at least 2 years of continuous measurements. Model‐simulated [NH3] is along empirically expected lines with regard to temporal trends, seasonal variations, and spatial distribution. GEOS‐Chem‐simulated [NH3], compared to AMoN observed values, has weighted average correlation (τ) of 0.50 ± 0.15 and mean fractional bias (MFB) of −8.8 ± 56%. Most sites (63 out of 90) have −60% < MFB < +60%. The deviations from observed values vary spatially and seasonally, and there is significant wintertime underestimation (−44 ± 58%) across most of conterminous United States (except the Pacific states). The largest positive deviations occur in the Pacific states (101 ± 46%) and the largest negative deviations in the Southern Plain states (−73 ± 39%) and the Mountain states (−73 ± 84%), both in the winter months. Over the Great Plains region, GEOS‐Chem simulated [NH3] shows a much stronger dependence to emissions than AMoN observed [NH3], indicating scope for improved representation of emissions for the region. Over Southeast United States, there appears to be the strong effect of the changing emissions of SO2 and NOx in both modeled and observed [NH3]. Key Points: Modeled atmospheric ammonia concentrations is in good spatiotemporal agreement with 90 surface stations across the United States from 2007‐2017Model underestimation is dominant in winter (–44 ± 58% bias) across the United States, except the Pacific states (+101 ± 46% bias)Model‐observation correlation of seasonality is good; simulated concentrations appear more emission dominated than observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the methods for the quantification of mass emissions from leaking process equipment when using optical imaging for leak detection. A new approach for leak detection and repair (LDAR) known as Smart-LDAR is introduced. It mentions about the effort of the American Petroleum Institute in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Energy and technology vendors to develop alternatives for the LDAR programs using EPA Reference Method 21.

This paper is stimulated by the debate in the US about optimal abatement paths, in particular recent claims that it would be economicallypreferable to defer such abatement action, in favour of measures that support technology development but do not affect emission trends for many years. This paper categorises the various economic issues involved and concludes that for each economic argument that has been advanced to justify deferring emission constraints, there are countervailing economic arguments that could be used in support of rapid near-term emissions abatement. Rational policy lies between these extremes. A policy of deferring all emissions abatement exposes economic systems and industries, as well as the environment, to significantly greater costs and risks than those arising from a more balanced approach. Furthermore the modelling studies that have been used to justify deferring emissions abatement do so because they embody the economic factors favourable to delay and largely neglect the countervailing issues,to the point where they cannot be considered as relevant to a balanced assessment of the issues relating to economically optimal abatement timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pre-Kyoto period and the outcome of the Kyoto conference demonstrated significant differences between the climate change policy in the United States and that in Western Europe. Although scientific methods and knowledge are universal and globally available, the scientificresults on climate change are taken up differently by the political systems on each side of the Atlantic. Different preferences for the results of economic modelling may be due to differences in the expectations of the average American/European of the government's responsibility, different reactions in cases of uncertainty, in the political system, the openness of public controversial discussions, and in the lobbyist intensity of interest groups. Both industrialized regions, however, face the problem of the short-term orientation of market economies and of the voters of representative national democracies versus the very long-term necessities of climate change policy. The different views and traditions on each side of the Atlantic could be used fora very fruitful process of global climate change policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]