Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Oil and gas companies could soon be fined for emitting methane
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Methane flaring. Source: NOAA ([link removed])
Last Friday, the Biden administration announced ([link removed]) a proposed rule that would require oil and gas companies to pay a fee for emitting methane, the second-most-abundant greenhouse gas behind carbon dioxide. Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere in the short term and is responsible for approximately one-third ([link removed]) of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.
The rule, announced ([link removed]) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would charge large energy producers a fee of $900 for every ton of methane emissions that exceed emissions intensity levels set by Congress starting in 2024. The fee would increase to $1,200 in 2025, and $1,500 for 2026 and beyond. Known as the Waste Emissions Charge, this fee would represent the first time oil and gas companies would have to pay for emitting methane.
The Waste Emissions Charge was approved by Congress as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and this announcement is the latest in the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to reduce methane emissions—last month, the EPA announced ([link removed]) it would require oil and gas companies to detect and fix methane leaks in wells and pipelines, and would mostly ban the practice of flaring except in emergencies. Additionally, using resources from the IRA, Congress has authorized $1 billion ([link removed]) to help companies repair leaks and improve their methane monitoring technologies.
New podcast episode: The private land piece of the 30×30 puzzle
In the latest episode ([link removed]) of The Landscape Podcast, Kate and Aaron are joined by Tony Caligiuri, president and CEO of Colorado Open Lands, a nonprofit land trust that exists to protect Colorado’s land and water resources. Colorado Open Lands works primarily with private landowners to place voluntary agreements called conservation easements on their property. Tony talks about how private land and water conservation works, as well as the vital role it plays in the national effort to protect 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030.
** Quick hits
------------------------------------------------------------
Biden administration to fine oil and gas companies for excess methane
New York Times ([link removed]) | Reuters ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | Forbes ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Tribes condemn start of uranium mining at Pinyon Plain Mine south of Grand Canyon
Arizona Daily Sun ([link removed])
Conservation group petitions for Alaska king salmon to be listed as an endangered species
Anchorage Daily News ([link removed])
More than 100 wild animals trapped by border wall killed in Texas wildfire
The Guardian ([link removed])
'Canary in the coal mine': Bird populations are showing the impact of climate change
Boise State Public Radio News ([link removed])
After “Snowpocalypse” killed their power, Colorado town is turning on microgrids
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
In 2024, the sun will be its most active in two decades
Washington Post ([link removed])
T. rex fossil from New Mexico reclassified as new species
Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
------------------------------------------------------------
” Our relatives, the Havasupai, Hualapai and other Tribes along the Colorado River, are bracing themselves for renewed anxiety, worry and constant unease about the safety of their resources and homelands.”
—Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Arizona Daily Sun ([link removed])
** Picture This
------------------------------------------------------------
@grandtetonnps ([link removed])
“I’ve been to the mountaintop … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land”
–Martin Luther King, Jr., “I’ve Been,” 222–223
NPS Photo/J. Bonney
============================================================
** Website ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
Copyright © 2024 Center for Western Priorities, All rights reserved.
You've signed up to receive Look West updates.
Center for Western Priorities
1999 Broadway
Suite 520
Denver, CO 80202
USA
** View this on the web ([link removed])
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
