Anita Gonzalez House District 70 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
Yesterday, residents from New Mexico and the Four Corners region testified in Washington, D.C., opposing a proposed delay of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) methane pollution standards. The rules, particularly the Leak Detection and Repair aspect, were supposed to be implemented at the beginning of June but faced a potential 90-day stay which was denied by a D.C. court. The current hearings are part of a formal process to delay these regulations for two years.
Among those who testified was Gloria Lehmer, a grandmother and former health professional residing in New Mexico's San Juan Basin. This area is known for its extensive drilling activities, with approximately 30,000 wells. Lehmer expressed concerns about her community's economy as it attempts to diversify beyond fossil fuels.
Kendra Pinto from the Navajo Nation voiced worries about the effects of nearby oil well sites on local residents during hydraulic fracturing operations. Don Schreiber of Devil’s Spring Ranch shared his dismay upon learning that "children’s health would be harmed" before EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt stayed methane regulations.
Daniel Tso, a former Diné/Navajo Nation Council Delegate, highlighted his community's struggles against multinational oil explorers affecting the Four Corners Great Chaco Region. Lauri Costello, a family physician from Durango, Colorado, criticized governmental reversals on public health protections.
Emily Bowie also spoke on behalf of the San Juan Citizen’s Alliance members living under what is known as the Four Corners Methane Hotspot—an area with high methane pollution levels due to waste from natural gas facilities.
The testimonies reflect deep-seated concerns about environmental impacts and community health in areas affected by fossil fuel extraction.
