Methane rule could limit U.S. energy production
The Bureau of Land Management’s final Waste Prevention Rule is another in a long list of regulations posed by the Biden administration that could jeopardize America’s energy future.
Instead of appropriate regulation, the administration’s regulatory wave could have the effect of driving American oil and natural gas companies out of business, as discussed in “Interior Department rule aims to crack down on methane leaks from oil, gas drilling on public lands,” Associated Press, March 27.
American oil and natural gas companies are committed to meeting growing energy demand while lowering emissions. They’re using new technologies, implementing best practices and trying to work with government to develop sound policies and effective regulations.
Unfortunately, BLM dismissed many of industry’s most significant recommendations when the agency developed its new methane emissions rule. This new regulation, following a wave of others out of the administration, could create additional barriers to energy development and limit companies’ ability to produce American energy.
U.S. oil and natural gas production is critical to maintaining affordable, reliable energy for all Americans. New barriers to production could mean lost jobs, increased energy costs and rising dependence on foreign energy suppliers – who don’t necessarily follow our country’s strict environmental standards – to meet energy demand. None of this is acceptable.
Policymakers in Washington should reconsider the lengthy list of policies that is working against American oil and natural gas production and putting our energy security at risk. New Mexicans who depend on these resources every day should not have their energy future put at risk.