Jack McDonald

Jack McDonald is an advocate and policy researcher focused on the environmental impacts of the oil and gas industry. As a child, Jack and his family lived on the Barnett Shale during the early fracking boom. Having directly witnessed the impacts of fracking, he has testified before the EPA about his experiences and the importance of crafting environmental policy that preserves the planet for future generations.

While attending the University of Chicago, Jack’s research focused on the failed regulation of natural gas flaring in Texas and was recognized with the Richard P. Taub Thesis Prize. His findings on the topic were also featured in coverage by Propublica.

As lead researcher at Oilfield Witness, Jack focuses on evaluating the sustainability claims of both the oil and gas industry and the governments charged with regulating it. He has pioneered the synthesis of complex regulator data analysis with on the ground documentation of oil and gas emissions using Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology to evaluate the credibility of oil and gas operator claims. Jack’s analysis has elicited responses from regulators and industry trade groups and has been covered by national and international investigative news outlets. His research has also been cited in international court proceedings.

Jack’s current project integrates a novel sensor array with OGI footage to independently quantify and visualize unreported oil and gas methane emissions. The project will bring greater transparency to emissions reporting and provide a tool for the public to hold operators accountable for their public commitments and regulatory obligations.