Earthworks Utilizes Optical Gas Imaging to Combat Oil and Gas Pollution Across U.S.
Earthworks, an advocacy organization, has spent the last decade using optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras to detect and record volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, and greenhouse gases emitted from oil and gas extraction sites. This technology, specifically the FLIR GF320 OGI camera, makes otherwise invisible pollution visible. Earthworks was the first advocacy group to train and certify staff in its use. Their efforts have focused on states like Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Pennsylvania, where a significant portion of U.S. oil and methane gas is extracted. Over 17.3 million Americans live within half a mile of these operations, often experiencing health issues such as foul odors, nosebleeds, and asthma. Earthworks' investigations have brought national and international attention to the scale of emissions and community exposure, leading to policy changes like New Mexico's State Land Office banning new oil and gas wells within one mile of schools.
