By Jay F. Marks, Business WriterEstimates of methane emissions from oil and natural gas production facilities have been overinflated significantly, according to a study released Thursday by the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association. Environmental groups have asked state and federal regulators to impose stricter standards on methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The Sierra Club claims that methane emissions from the life cycle of natural gas production are on par with coal, but the OIPA study concluded pneumatic controllers emit an average of about 1 standard cubic foot of natural gas an hour. Previous studies, which relied on analysis rather than direct measurement, indicated emissions were five to 27 times higher, according to OIPA. “This study used improved methods to collect and analyze data, giving regulators a better perspective on emissions from the oil and natural gas industry,” said Kim Hatfield, chairman of OIPA’s regulatory committee. The OIPA study included 172 production sites operated by eight member companies.Read more on NewsOK.com