** New Mexico to crack down on oil industry venting, flaring
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Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Flaring in New Mexico's Permian Basin | Blake Thornberry ([link removed])
Last week, New Mexico regulators finalized a rule to eliminate ([link removed]) routine venting and flaring from drilling operations, a major step to reduce air pollution and climate emissions from the state's booming oil and gas industry. With a unanimous vote, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission adopted regulations requiring drillers to capture at least 98% of the gas produced by their wells. Companies who fail to meet capture rates could see their drilling permits denied.
Notably, after two years of development, the final rules were supported ([link removed]) by both environmentalists and the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. In coming years, oil and gas companies will be required to retrofit old storage tanks and infrastructure with newer technology and monitoring systems, a requirement that is expected to drive innovation and create jobs.
“The 98% capture is an ambitious target that will secure significant methane waste reductions that will directly benefit New Mexico’s environment,” said ([link removed]) Sarah Cottrell Propst, head of the New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “Oil and gas operations make up the biggest portion of greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico and the rules established today will lead to reductions across the board beginning in 2022.”
Quick hits
** Biden administration lays groundwork for environmental regulation overhaul
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The Hill ([link removed])
** Montana politicians consider new measures to increase trapping, killing of wolves and bears
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New York Times ([link removed])
** Behind the bizarre story of the Montana governor shooting a wolf from Yellowstone
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Slate ([link removed])
** Despite budget woes, Wyoming legislature advances measure to support coal lawsuits
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** New Mexico regulators finalize rule to end routine venting and flaring from oil and gas wells
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S&P Global ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | Albuquerque Journal ([link removed])
** Federal judge taps brakes on Utah coal mine permits, citing climate impact
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Controversial Arizona copper mine wins court case based on weakened Trump rules
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Arizona Daily Star ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed])
** Opinion: Time for a better deal for Montanans on oil, gas resources
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Missoulian ([link removed])
Quote of the day
Montana’s economy is hurt more than most states by out-of-control federal leasing. Nearly 1.1 million federal acres in Montana — the most among lower 48 states — are locked up in suspended leases producing nothing, not even rent. In 2019, another 1.2 million acres of technically “active” leases — 64% of such leases — were idle and not producing any oil or gas.”
—Dan Bucks ([link removed]) , former Montana Revenue Department Director
Picture this
** @Interior ([link removed])
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The mountains in @GuadalupeMtnsNP ([link removed]) rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor to form an island of outstanding diversity. Pic by Kelly Feeney.
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