FILE - A flare burns at a well pad Aug. 26, 2021, near Watford City, N.D. American oil and natural gas wells, pipelines and compressors are spewing three times the amount of the potent heat-trapping gas methane as the government thinks, a new comprehensive study calculates.
“By leveraging modern technology and best practices to reduce natural gas waste, we are taking long-overdue steps that will increase accountability for oil and gas operators and benefit energy communities now and for generations to come,” she said. “Eliminating waste from routine venting and flaring of associated gas conserves domestic energy resources ... lessens oil and gas production’s negative impact on the climate and protects the health of frontline communities,” said Tannis Fox, senior attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center, another environmental group.
Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, called the rule a “much-needed step” to fight climate change and protect the health of communities near drilling sites throughout the West.