The Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 1999 would establish a research and development program at the Department of Energy to assess and develop methane hydrates as an energy source. The legislation is identical to an Akaka-sponsored measure that passed the Senate in the 105th Congress.
Methane hydrates are rigid, ice-like solids of water surrounding a gas molecule.
They remain solid at high pressure and low temperature. Such conditions are found in Arctic permafrost and in deep sea sediments. Methane hydrates are stable at moderately high pressures and low temperatures and contain large quantities of methane. An enormous amount of methane is sequestered in gas hydrates. Worldwide estimates range from 100,000 trillion cubic feet to 270 million trillion cubic feet.