November 14, 2024
Envana's Methane Regulatory Advisor, Keegan Conley, is a Professional Environmental Engineer with over a decade of dedicated experience in the air quality field. His career has been centered around characterizing and mitigating emissions from oil and gas operations. Before joining Envana, Keegan held the Policy/Inventory Engineer role at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment within the Office of Innovations in Planning.
What excites you most about the emissions management industry and the work you’re doing? What’s your vision?
I'm driven by the opportunity to transform emissions management in oil and gas by creating precise, measurement-informed inventories. My vision is to leverage large datasets, including operating pressures, temperatures, and flow rates, alongside advanced measurement technologies—like continuous monitors, aerial surveys, and satellite data—to build the most accurate emissions inventories possible. I believe this data, combined with more traditional engineering calculations, will provide a level of accuracy that has not been traditionally achieved in the GHG emissions inventory space and will not only ensure compliance with voluntary and mandatory frameworks but also empower regulators, companies, and the public to track our collective progress toward GHG reduction goals confidently.
Keegan, where do you think carbon accounting is going in the next few years?
I foresee carbon accounting rapidly evolving as methane quantification technologies—such as continuous monitors, drones, airplanes, and satellites—generate unprecedented levels of data. This data will enable companies to make more strategic decisions on emissions reduction throughout their operations and supply chains. I anticipate increased demand for GHG intensity metrics, driven by both regulatory bodies and investors eager for transparency. This shift will create a competitive edge for operators who minimize their GHG footprint, aligning sustainability with business growth.
Envana's Khaled Hashem, Danil Martakov, and Keegan Conley at EEMDL, a recent industry conference
What are the key drivers and technologies you consider will drive the industry forward?
Regulatory initiatives like Colorado’s Regulation No. 7 and the UN Methane Regulation are setting a new standard for emissions management in oil and gas, requiring companies to rigorously measure, monitor, report, verify, and mitigate GHG emissions to meet strict intensity targets. These frameworks, alongside emerging initiatives from GTI Energy and the Department of Energy’s MMRV program, are driving the adoption of advanced measurement technologies already in the market. By integrating these innovations, I believe the industry can achieve greater accountability and transparency in emissions reporting, which is crucial for meeting climate goals.
What aspect of your background gives you an edge in the industry?
My unique edge in the industry comes from a blend of technical expertise in emissions measurement, regulatory compliance, and hands-on experience with oil and gas clients. My experience conducting OGI inspections, reviewing GHG and criteria pollutant emission inventories in Colorado, and collaborating on the MMRV rule under Colorado's Regulation No. 7 alongside industry, regulators, technology providers, and IT specialists, as well as completing EPA’s GHGRP inventories, has given me deep insights into the challenges companies face when integrating measurement technology with engineering calculations to build precise baseline emissions inventories. This background enables me to anticipate client needs and deliver tailored, future-ready solutions beyond regulatory compliance to improve operational efficiency. My dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and bridging technical and client-focused solutions makes me a valuable partner in driving the future of emissions management.
Connect with Keegan on LinkedIn
