New satellite data released during U.S. Climate Week indicates that New Mexico’s methane regulations have resulted in oil and gas facility emissions in the Permian Basin being reduced by half compared to neighboring Texas.
Nine separate satellite observations from 2024-2025 across the Permian Basin, including the Delaware sub-basin, show that methane intensity in New Mexico is 1.2%, while it stands at 3.1% in Texas for the same area. Methane intensity refers to the proportion of natural gas escaping into the atmosphere relative to total production output.
Despite a more than 100% increase in oil and gas production in New Mexico since 2020—compared to a 20% rise in Texas—the state has seen a significant decline in overall methane intensity. The captured methane in New Mexico equates to $125 million worth of additional natural gas production and $27 million in tax and royalty revenue, which supports state programs and local communities.
“New Mexico’s methane regulations demonstrate that we can lead the nation in both energy production and environmental stewardship,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “These smart environmental policies generate revenue for our state while protecting our air and fighting climate change.”
Methane is considered a powerful greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide during its first two decades in the atmosphere. In 2021, New Mexico introduced comprehensive methane rules requiring operators to reduce venting and flaring, use cleaner equipment, conduct regular leak detection, repair activities, and develop infrastructure for capturing gas—measures not currently required by Texas.
James C. Kenney, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, stated: “This data proves science-based environmental regulations deliver tangible economic benefits. New Mexico’s methane rules demonstrate that protecting air quality and reducing emissions protect New Mexicans and strengthen our energy sector.”
Jon Goldstein, associate vice president for Energy Transition at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), added: “This satellite data provides the clearest evidence yet that well-designed methane regulations are both cost-effective and protective. New Mexico’s success under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership demonstrates that cutting methane pollution and waste delivers economic benefits while protecting air quality and our climate.”
The findings were produced using orbital sensing technology developed by MethaneSAT—a subsidiary of EDF—with support from the Bezos Earth Fund. This technology allows precise measurement of methane emissions across wide areas.
Further analysis is available on an interactive website at www.methanesat.org.
