Clean Air, Clear Future · Weald Action Group

Citizen's
Methane
Investigation

UK-wide investigation into methane emissions accountability at onshore oil and gas sites by citizen researchers, organised by Weald Action Group as part of their Clean Air, Clear Future Campaign.

FOI
Freedom of Information law as a tool for environmental accountability
7+
Years of OGI footage, CAR forms and regulatory data already gathered
You
No technical background needed — training, tools and support provided

UK-Wide Investigation

The Citizen's Methane Investigation (CMI) Project trains and organises members of the public to use FOI law to build a clearer picture of methane emissions from onshore oil and gas infrastructure — and how they are being managed and regulated.

Regulation by the Environment Agency relies heavily on industry self-reporting. We believe independent public scrutiny is essential. You don't need to be a scientist or lawyer — just curious, persistent, and willing to ask questions that companies and regulators would rather not answer.

How it works
1
Get trained
Training and support on how to use FOI law effectively to request emissions data, gas management practice, inspection records and compliance reports.
2
Choose your site
Use our UK Methane Map to identify onshore oil and gas sites to investigate. WAG will help organise to make sure all sites are covered.
3
Submit your FOI
Request CAR forms, inspection reports, emissions data and correspondence. We have FOI questions ready for submission.
4
Share what you find
Your findings feed into a national picture. We work with journalists and legal partners to ensure the evidence reaches those who can act on it.
What you can do with your findings
Write to your MP: use the evidence you've gathered to make a direct case for regulatory reform
Organise locally: connect with residents near oil and gas sites and build a community campaign
Join forces: link up with other investigators and campaigners to build a wider movement for change
Write and publish: share your findings through a blog, article or social media to raise public awareness
How WAG uses the data

All findings from the Citizens' Investigation feed into Weald Action Group's ongoing research programme. We are compiling evidence towards a comprehensive report on the state of the UK onshore oil and gas industry — examining emissions levels, regulatory performance, compliance gaps and the human and environmental cost of continued production.

Outputs include a methane map of England’s onshore oil and gas sites, a structured evidence database, and the 2027 Methane Report. All will be shared with policymakers, regulators, journalists and the public.

"You can only care about what you know about."
Chief Justice Lord Leggett · Finch on behalf of Weald Action Group v Surrey County Council · Supreme Court · June 2024