Sr. Joan Brown,osf, Executive Director New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light
The Senate, in a vote 51 to 49, chose Wednesday to protect public health, be good stewards of creation and act for the common good by preserving the BLM methane rule that curbs waste from oil and gas production.
The vote reflects the will of the public, which launched a massive effort to keep the common-sense rule on the books. Supported by 81 percent of Westerners, the rule was developed over nearly a decade and went through extensive gathering of input from industry, tribes, public and people of faith.
“Reducing methane waste is good stewardship and cares for sacred creation. Royalties from captured methane can now be used in New Mexico for our schools,” said Sister Joan Brown, Executive Director of New Mexico Power and Light. “The ethical and moral leadership shown by members of the Senate proclaims a strong stand for the health and well-being of communities.”
Similar regulations at the state level have proven successful in Colorado without harming the economy. Public Lands are held in trust for all people. Requiring oil and gas companies on public land to repair leaky infrastructure and waste less methane through venting and flaring could earn taxpayers $800 million in royalties over the next decade and capture enough methane to power 740,000 households every year.
In addition, leaked methane transports volatile organic compounds, benzene, asthma irritants, and carcinogens to people’s lungs, creating major health problems near oil and gas development. Leaked methane also exacerbates climate change, with methane more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide. The rule will assist in reducing the large methane cloud over the Four Corners region.
Today’s vote reaffirms the extensive efforts of a broad coalition of groups including tribal communities, public health organizations, sportsmen, environmentalists, public lands advocates, the faith community, and more. In particular, New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall deserves recognition for his role as a strong champion of the methane waste rule, as does Sen. Martin Heinrich. Thank you also to Sen. Michael Bennet and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp who faced strong pressure to repeal the rule. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. John McCain showed integrity through life affirming leadership. Every Senate Democrat and three Republicans voted in favor of keeping the BLM methane rule.