Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler has proposed the removal of direct regulation of methane emissions from the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards. This change could affect 4,700 wells in New Mexico, potentially increasing methane emissions and impacting both climate and public health.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly more impactful than carbon dioxide over short periods. Many residents in New Mexico have expressed support for regulations that reduce methane pollution, dating back to 2015 when 27,000 comments were submitted favoring such measures as part of U.S. commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement.

Camilla Feibelman, Director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, stated: “As the Amazon burns and scientists warn that we’re approaching a catastrophic, irreversible tipping point, it’s unconscionable that the agency charged with protecting us would throw fuel on the fire."

Erik Schlenker-Goodrich from the Western Environmental Law Center criticized the proposal as extreme and disrespectful to Congress and public opinion: “This proposal is a slap in the face to Congress... With this proposal, the Trump administration shows it does not respect the wishes of Congress, the American public, or even some in the industry.”

Nathalie Eddy from Earthworks highlighted potential impacts on communities near oil and gas facilities: “The proposed elimination of critical national safeguards against oil and gas methane pollution is reckless... Without strong national safeguards, the commitments made by Governor Lujan-Grisham to cut methane pollution with state-level rules are all the more urgent for people of New Mexico.”

Lucas Herndon from ProgressNow New Mexico emphasized continued efforts for state-level regulations: “This only hardens our resolve to continue working with partners across New Mexico to ensure our state creates smart, safe regulations around methane.”

Ben Shelton from Conservation Voters New Mexico called for reconsideration: “This proposal is transparently corrupt, immoral, and unprofessional and should be reconsidered immediately.”

Jim Mackenzie from 350 New Mexico criticized potential increased emissions due to relaxed rules: “What kind of parent steals their kids’ future for a buck?”

Jordan Smith from CAVU stressed federal leadership's importance during this time: “This proposed rollback is an abdication of federal leadership at a crucial time in our history.”