Senate Republicans have voted against a resolution that aimed to prevent the Trump administration from delaying methane pollution standards. This decision means that New Mexico remains at risk of exposure to pollution from Texas oil and gas operations, which are not subject to strict methane regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized new rules in late 2023 after an extended period of public input. These rules would require oil and gas companies to address methane leaks from existing equipment for the first time and would also impose stronger standards on new wells. Methane is considered a potent greenhouse gas, with a warming effect much greater than carbon dioxide over a two-decade period.
The Trump administration’s move delays the implementation of these protections by one year. This delay has significant implications for New Mexico, where state-level methane regulations are among the strongest in the country. In contrast, Texas has minimal requirements regarding methane emissions, resulting in pollution drifting into southeastern New Mexico communities such as Carlsbad, Hobbs, and areas near the Four Corners region. Residents in these areas already experience high levels of air pollution and increased asthma rates.
New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján have advocated for federal rules that align with New Mexico’s standards in order to shield the state from cross-border pollution originating in Texas.
Antoinette Reyes with the Rio Grande Chapter (NM & West TX) stated:
