Feds Should Close Loopholes, Tighten Enforcement in Methane Rule

Earthjustice supports the BLM's proposed methane rule, which covers both new and existing equipment and aims to reduce flaring and leaks. The organization argues that the rule is essential for climate mitigation, as methane is 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, and could capture up to $800 million in taxpayer revenue over a decade. However, Earthjustice urges the BLM to close loopholes regarding leak inspections and flaring allowances to ensure the rule's effectiveness.

• Methane is a highly potent climate pollutant, estimated to be 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide and responsible for approximately 25 percent of current global warming.
• The BLM's proposed rule is more comprehensive than the EPA's May 12 rule because it applies to both new and existing equipment, with existing equipment expected to represent 90 percent of oil and gas emissions by 2018, and it includes requirements to reduce flaring.
• Reducing natural gas waste on public lands could generate up to $800 million in taxpayer revenue over the next ten years through royalties paid to federal, state, and tribal governments.
• Earthjustice identifies several necessary improvements to the BLM proposal to prevent industry evasion, including more frequent leak inspections, tighter flaring allowances, enforceable waste minimization plans, and increased transparency.

APA

Earthjustice (2016). Feds Should Close Loopholes, Tighten Enforcement in Methane Rule. https://earthjustice.org/article/feds-should-close-loopholes-tighten-enforcement-in-methane-rule

Chicago

Earthjustice. Feds Should Close Loopholes, Tighten Enforcement in Methane Rule. 2016. https://earthjustice.org/article/feds-should-close-loopholes-tighten-enforcement-in-methane-rule.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Earthjustice |title=Feds Should Close Loopholes, Tighten Enforcement in Methane Rule |date=13 May 2016 |url=https://earthjustice.org/article/feds-should-close-loopholes-tighten-enforcement-in-methane-rule |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{earthjustice2016feds, author = {{Earthjustice}}, title = {{Feds Should Close Loopholes, Tighten Enforcement in Methane Rule}}, publisher = {Earthjustice}, year = {2016}, month = may, url = {https://earthjustice.org/article/feds-should-close-loopholes-tighten-enforcement-in-methane-rule}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }