Wyoming and Montana say rule is outside BLM’s authority, complicates development of resources
At the request of Governor Matt Mead, the Wyoming Attorney General’s office has filed a petition for review of final agency action on the “Methane and Waste Reduction” rule promulgated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The State of Wyoming asserts the rule is outside the agency’s authority and further complicates development of federal resources.
On Nov. 15, BLM released its final rule to reduce methane emissions and flared gas on public and tribal lands. The rule, which will be phased in over time, requires oil and gas producers to use currently available technologies and processes to cut flaring in half at oil wells on public and tribal lands. Operators also must periodically inspect their operations for leaks, and replace outdated equipment that vents large quantities of gas into the air. Other parts of the rule require operators to limit venting from storage tanks and to use best practices to limit gas losses when removing liquids from wells.
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead
“The BLM is once again overstepping its bounds and imposing unnecessary regulations,” said Wyoming Governor Mead in a statement. “Congress has delegated regulation of air pollution to the states and EPA, not BLM. Wyoming has successfully regulated air pollution emissions from oil and gas activities for over 20 years and has effective limitations on venting and flaring of natural gas.”
The petition filed by the Wyoming Attorney General’s office outlines how the BLM’s rule conflicts with the Clean Air Act and interferes with Wyoming’s air quality regulations.
“Wyoming has been a leader in air quality requirements,” continued Governor Mead. “This rule only adds more federal red tape and bureaucracy.”
