** Methane emissions soar in New Mexico's Permian Basin
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Monday, January 13, 2020
Natural gas flaring in New Mexico's Permian Basin | Blake Thornberry ([link removed])
Methane emissions from venting and flaring in New Mexico's booming Permian Basin have doubled since 2017 ([link removed]) , according to a report from the state's Methane Advisory Panel. A glut of natural gas, combined with limited pipeline capacity in the Permian Basin often leads drillers to vent or flare methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The analysis finds that venting and flaring account for 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the oil-rich region, a sharp contrast from industry projections, which estimate venting and flaring only account for 4 percent of regional emissions. While the Trump administration has rolled back regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas development, New Mexico is currently developing ([link removed]) rules aimed at limiting venting, flaring, and natural gas leaks.
Quick hits
** Koch-backed group waged relentless, well-funded campaign to rescind Bears Ears National Monument
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Newly discovered "Witch's Pantry" cave further complicates bid to expand mine in Colorado tourist town
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])
** Wyoming governor seeks to balance drilling, environmental concerns on wildlife migration corridors
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** Methane venting, flaring has doubled in New Mexico's Permian Basin since 2017
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Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
** Bankrupt coal company Blackjewel accuses former CEO of fraud
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Associated Press ([link removed]) | Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** Interior Department considers halting use of 1,000 drones over Chinese spying concern
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The Hill ([link removed]) | Reuters ([link removed])
** Opinion: With low natural gas prices, drillers in western Colorado face economic reckoning
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Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
** Opinion: Massive Arizona development that secured permits after meetings with Bernhardt astroturfs local support
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Arizona Daily Star ([link removed])
Quote of the day
The Sutherland Institute has taken Utah taxpayers on a wild ride to amplify their extremist and blatantly unconstitutional anti-public lands agenda. When it comes to valuing and protecting America’s and Utah’s public lands, they’re uniquely pro-industry, pro-special interest, and anti-public lands. They’re looking to take a public resource and shift it into private hands for their benefit.”
—Jayson O'Neill, Deputy Director, Western Values Project | Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Picture this
Bryce Canyon National Park in the snow
Photo by Scott Ricks | @Interior ([link removed])
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