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Mexican President Peña Nieto today formalized Mexico's plan to join the U.S. and Canada in making oil and gas methane reductions a national priority, marking yet another country taking leadership to address this extremely potent greenhouse gas. The three leaders agreed that each of their countries would develop rules to cut up to 45 percent of methane escaping from across the continent's oil and gas industries by 2025. It's a pledge that once fully realized would have the same 20-year climate effect as taking 85 million cars off the road. Featured among a package of broader energy and climate commitments, the common methane reduction goal is a centerpiece.

This announcement is a milestone for North America energy integration and cooperation. But, it's also an important moment for Mexico. The commitments Mexico is making both in-country and as part of the continental pact on methane, distinguishes Mexico as a clear world leader on energy and climate issues, along with the U.S. and Canada. By taking advantage of low-cost, oil and gas methane reductions, Mexico can make an immediate down payment on its climate goal cuts can deliver about 10% of the greenhouse gas reductions Mexico pledged, and all at a cost savings. The key will be implementation and what steps Mexico takes next are critical. 

Mexico's commitment is especially encouraging given the changing landscape of the country's oil and gas industry. Recent historic changes opened up the industry to private investment for the first time since 1938. While state-owned oil and gas company Pemex has already set an example on methane by joining the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, a voluntary UN-sponsored effort to improve transparency and accelerate best practices to reduce methane emissions, Mexico's actions today will ensure future private developments are defined by the same environmental excellence.

This announcement is also evidence of nations making good on its Paris commitments. The U.S., Canada and Mexico specifically highlighted oil and gas methane as a way to meet their respective climate goals and tod...