China’s Coal Mine Methane Reduction Policy: Emission Effects and Mechanisms

Methane emission control is an important component of climate action, particularly in China, where coal mining is a major source of methane emissions. Using provincial panel data for 2011–2022 and a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, this study evaluates the 2013 coal mine methane (CMM) reduction policy by exploiting cross-provincial variation in policy exposure. The estimates indicate larger post-policy declines in CMM emissions among provinces with higher policy exposure. Mechanism analyses suggest two potential channels: greater public environmental attention and industrial structure upgrading. The policy is also associated with higher total factor productivity (TFP) and lower GDP-based CMM emission intensity. Estimated emission reductions are more pronounced in coal resource-based regions and provinces with higher GDP levels. These findings support sustained and regionally differentiated implementation of CMM mitigation measures.