U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) have spearheaded an effort involving 51 lawmakers to challenge the Trump administration's revision of the Bureau of Land Management’s 2016 Methane and Waste Prevention rule. The group filed an amicus brief arguing that the Interior Department's rollback violates federal law by permitting waste of public oil and gas resources.

"The Trump rollback of the Methane Waste and Prevention Rule was an egregious giveaway to irresponsible polluters," said Udall, emphasizing that New Mexico loses significant royalty revenues due to methane waste on public lands. He noted BLM’s analysis indicating that rescinding the rule could result in over $1 billion in wasted natural gas nationwide.

Camilla Feibelman, Director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, stated, "Each year, oil and gas companies emit more than 13 million metric tons of methane across the country." She highlighted the importance of the BLM’s Waste-Prevention Rule as a safeguard for communities.

Chair Grijalva expressed concern over environmental protections being weakened: "President Trump is gutting key public land and environmental protections." He stressed that polluters should not be allowed to harm public resources without consequences.

Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) pointed out benefits from reducing methane leaks, such as increased worker safety and more royalties for states. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) criticized the administration for undermining measures designed to protect air quality.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) called it "shameful" that common-sense environmental protections are being overturned in favor of industry interests. Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) emphasized capturing valuable resources instead of allowing their release into the atmosphere.

Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) argued that BLM should prioritize protecting public resources rather than easing burdens on oil companies. He expressed confidence that legal efforts would ultimately reinstate protective regulations.

The amicus brief was filed in California's Northern District Court, asserting violations under the Mineral Leasing Act due to authorized practices wasting taxpayer-owned resources. The revised rule removed several requirements aimed at minimizing waste from natural gas operations on federal lands.

Udall has been active in defending these safeguards, having previously led efforts against attempts to overturn them through legislative means.