A scientist and former adviser to the EPA will not be investigated for fraud concerning his published research surrounding methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Environmental activists had called for an investigation into studies the EPA relied on for their decision-making around policy.
The North Carolina advocacy group NC Warn had filed a 65-page petition with the Inspector General calling for an investigation into a pair of recent, high-profile studies on greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production. The group alleged that Allen, the studies' lead author, brushed aside concerns that the equipment he used underestimated the volume of methane emitted. It argued his conduct rose to the level of fraud.
Methane is a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. Knowing exactly how much of the gas escapes from the oil and gas wells, pipelines and other infrastructure is a key part of ongoing efforts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions. Following NC Warn's complaint, 130 organizations called on the EPA's Inspector General to expedite an investigation into the allegations.
The complaint can be read here. In it the advocacy group says:
NC WARN hereby files this complaint and request for your investigation of allegations we are bringing before you. Based on our extensive review of documentation and direct accounts from a credible whistleblower, we believe there has been a persistent and deliberate cover-up that has prevented the agency from requiring the natural gas industry to make widespread, urgently needed and achievable reductions in methane venting and leakage (“emissions”) across the nation’s expanding natural gas infrastructure.
Studies relied upon by EPA to develop policy and regulations were scientifically invalid. Several researchers were biased and had direct conflicts of interest. Industry influence may have contributed to the non-disclosure of flaws in the studies and to the resulting cover-up.
But the EPA will not be investigating these charges any further.
"This office declined to open an investigation. Moreover, this [case] is being closed," the Inspector General's office wrote in a July 20 letter to NC Warn.
The EPA letter did not provide information on how the agency came to its decision not to open an investigation.
Allen, a former chairman of the EPA's outside science advisory board and a University of Texas engineering professor, declined to comment on NC Warn's allegations or the EPA's response. He noted, however, a National Academy study now being developed that seeks to improve measurements and monitoring of methane emissions.
NC Warn has said that they are “dissatisfied” with this decision and will consider the next steps that they will take.