The press release from CNX Resources Corporation, dated August 14, 2024. It discusses the initial results of CNX’s “Radical Transparency™” program, a public-private collaboration aimed at monitoring air emissions at natural gas well sites and compressor stations in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The key points from the document are:
- Radical Transparency™ Program: CNX Resources has implemented a unique program that involves continuous air emissions monitoring, enhanced water quality testing, and full disclosure of chemical usage and waste reporting. The data collected is shared in real-time with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), CNX, and the public.
- Initial Results: Over nine months of monitoring, more than 100,000 data measurements have been collected, which CNX claims demonstrate that their natural gas development poses no public health risk. The air quality data shows that emissions from CNX’s operations are well below science-based air quality standards for pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene).
- Critique of Other Studies: CNX criticizes the University of Pittsburgh Health Study, arguing that it relied on flawed statistical associations and failed to measure emissions directly at gas sites. In contrast, CNX’s data is collected close to the wellbore, providing what they argue is a more accurate representation of emissions.
- Expansion of Monitoring: CNX plans to expand its Radical Transparency program to cover all of its unconventional operations, adding even more data points to the ongoing monitoring efforts.
- Industry and Policy Impact: CNX urges other industry peers to adopt similar transparency measures, advocating that public policy in Pennsylvania should be based on directly measured data rather than speculative studies.
In conclusion, CNX Resources’ Radical Transparency™ program sets a new standard for environmental monitoring and public accountability in the natural gas industry. The initial results from this groundbreaking initiative demonstrate that CNX’s operations in southwestern Pennsylvania are not only safe but also provide the public with unprecedented access to real-time data. By challenging flawed studies and committing to full disclosure, CNX is leading the way in ensuring that energy policies are driven by facts and measurable outcomes, ultimately fostering greater trust and transparency within the communities they serve.
