Downstream energy company Marathon Petroleum Corporation announced today an expansion of its climate goals to now encompass some scope 3 emissions or those outside of its direct control, derived from the use of its products.

Scope 3 emissions typically represent the vast majority of oil and gas companies’ climate impact. Marathon reported its scope 3 emissions for the first-time last year, in its annual “Perspectives on Climate-Related Scenarios” report, revealing that its Scope 3 Use of Sold Products emissions in 2020 were 352 million tonnes compared to 31 million tonnes CO2e combined for scope 1 and 2.

Marathon’s current emissions goals include targets to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity by 30% by 2030, on a 2014 base. The company’s new goal adds a commitment to cut absolute Scope 3 – Use of Sold Products greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15% by 2030 below 2019 levels, for products manufactured at the company’s refineries.

Michael J. Hennigan, MPC President, and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Our Scope 3 reduction target is part of our commitment to continuously improve our environmental performance while meeting society’s energy needs sustainably. As the energy industry evolves, we are positioning ourselves to continue delivering positive results in an energy-diverse future.”

Additionally, Marathon stated that MPLX, the diversified limited partnership formed by the company has established a new 2030 target to reduce methane emissions intensity from its natural gas gathering and processing operations by 75% below 2016 levels. MPLX owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets and provides fuels distribution services.

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