The conversion of waste CO₂ to value-added chemicals through electrochemical reduction is a promising technology for mitigating climate change while simultaneously providing economic opportunities. The use of the nonaqueous solvent methanol allows for higher CO₂ solubility and novel products through the incorporation of methanol as an intermediate. In this work, the electrochemistry of CO₂ reduction in acidic methanol catholyte at a Pb working electrode was investigated while using a separate aqueous anolyte to promote a sustainable water oxidation half-reaction. The selectivity among methyl formate (a product unique to reduction of CO₂ in methanol), formic acid, and formate was critically dependent on the catholyte pH, with a faradaic efficiency for methyl formate as high as 75% measured in pH < 2. Furthermore, strategies to limit the concentration of formic acid and maintain the surface oxide of the catalyst have been shown to be effective at improving the steady-state durability of the CO₂-to-methyl formate process. Tests with simulated flue gas as the feedstock have shown a high level of tolerance for the Pb-catalyzed electrolysis to SO₂, NO, and dilute O₂ contaminants. Finally, a comparative technoeconomic analysis will be discussed to highlight target performance metrics and the viability of alternate pathways for electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to methyl formate.