As of midnight on April 23, over 400,000 individuals expressed strong opposition to the Trump Administration's decision to roll back the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rules. These regulations were initially designed to significantly reduce oil and gas waste and pollution. New Mexicans have been actively involved in this process, participating in national listening sessions, public hearings, and commenting in favor of the final rule. They also voiced their concerns against a proposed stay of the rule and are now urging the administration to maintain these protections for community health and financial interests.

In related developments, 80 faith leaders from New Mexico have joined a national letter opposing the rollback. A bicameral letter has also been issued by political figures including Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham, and Lujan. Furthermore, 47 elected leaders from New Mexico and other Western communities have voiced their opposition to the new BLM methane rule during a press conference.

A report by Taxpayers for Common Sense highlights that half of all gas lost between 2012 and 2016 was reported in New Mexico. The Sierra Club has projected the economic impact of methane loss on state taxes.

Recent opinion pieces on this topic have been contributed by State Senator Bill Tallman, State Representative Angelica Rubio, former Land Commissioner Ray Powell, Don Schreiber, and Patrick Von Bargen.