Mexico to beef up methane emission rules

WASHINGTON — The Mexican government is examining tougher oil and gas regulations designed to reduce the nation’s contribution to climate change.

Under new regulations proposed by the government last week, controls would be placed on the accidental release of methane from oil and gas wells, employing standards developed by environmental groups such as he Environmental Defense Fund.

“Being the first normative piece of its kind in all of Latin America, (the government) seeks to position Mexico as a reference framework in terms of environmental regulation,” read a statement from the National Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment of Mexico.

The move also has implications for U.S. oil companies, many of which are looking to drill in Mexico — both offshore and onshore — following energy market reforms put in place by the Mexican government four years ago to attract foreign investment and expertise.

Methane, a far more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is being increasingly targeted by governments and oil companies around the world. Where once methane leaks were an accepted part of oil and gas drilling, companies are now employing infrared sensors and other technology to seek out and fix those leaks, in a bid to reduce their contribution to climate change.

The announcement by Mexico drew applause from environmentalists, who have criticized the Trump administration’s rollback of methane regulations ordered by former President Barack Obama.

“Mexico has shown real leadership in developing sound regulations to address methane pollution. The draft rules draw on learnings from other oil and gas jurisdictions already successfully controlling methane emissions across North America,” said Drew Nelson, international affairs director of the Environmental Defense Fund.