Sen. Linda Lopez Senate District 11 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
A coalition of groups in New Mexico has announced that over 25,000 residents have voiced their support for the Obama Administration's efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The comments are part of a nationwide initiative where more than 700,000 people have shown their backing for the President’s methane pollution control measures.
Alex Renirie, an organizer for the Sierra Club, stated, “More than 25,000 New Mexicans have joined over 700,000 people throughout the country in support of the President’s efforts to control methane pollution.” He highlighted that these rules are not only aligned with commitments made during the Paris Climate Negotiations but also aim to address New Mexico's significant methane hotspot located over the Four Corners region.
Methane is identified as a potent greenhouse gas with substantial climate-warming potential. It is released through various stages of oil and gas production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed rules targeting existing and modified oil and gas operations to curb these emissions. Tom Singer from the Western Environmental Law Center expressed optimism about these developments: “We are glad to reach this milestone with the EPA methane rule and look forward to a strong complementary BLM rule in order to cover a wider range of methane pollution, including that on public land.”
In 2013 alone, New Mexico's oil and natural-gas producers emitted over 250,000 metric tons of methane. This emission level equates to powering all homes in Albuquerque for a year. Residents in affected areas like Farmington and members of local communities such as Victoria Gutierrez from the Navajo Nation have voiced concerns about environmental impacts linked to these emissions.
Several organizations including Sierra Club and Conservation Voters New Mexico Education Fund have collaborated under the New Mexico Methane Coalition to gather public comments supporting stricter regulations on methane emissions.
The EPA's proposal marks its first attempt at regulating methane emissions specifically within the oil and gas industry. While supportive of these new standards for new infrastructure, many advocate for similar regulations on existing sources which account for most current emissions.
New Mexicans have reportedly lost significant revenue due to unregulated leaks and flaring practices on public lands since 2009. Despite voluntary programs like EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program encouraging better practices among producers, participation remains low among companies operating in New Mexico.
Concerns remain regarding certain equipment not covered by current proposals despite available cost-effective controls. Stakeholders urge EPA to include all relevant sources within its final rule set while advocating for more frequent inspections at well-sites and compressor stations.
The agency is encouraged to incorporate comprehensive health benefit assessments into its analysis alongside considering monetary savings from conserved gas sales across transmission segments.
