01.27.17

Natural Resources Committee Democrats Hosting Public Forum Next Wed. on Protecting Methane Waste Rule From GOP Onslaught

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Democratic members of the House Natural Resources Committee are hosting a public forum next Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 12:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill to highlight the health, environmental and economic risks of the Republican campaign to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Methane Waste Rule. GOP lawmakers have signaled their intention to vote next week to repeal the rule using the Congressional Review Act – a move that would waste resources, make air pollution and climate change worse, and cost taxpayers significant revenue.

The event, which is open to media and the public, will feature several expert guest speakers who will explain the serious negative impacts of repeal. The full speaker list will be released next week.

The Methane Waste Rule, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, prevents private companies from burning off or otherwise wasting natural gas extracted from public land. The rule will save up to 41 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year, enough to supply up to 740,000 households, and bring in up to $14 million in additional royalties to states and the federal treasury. The rule will also result in 175,000 to 180,000 fewer tons of methane emissions each year, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 1 million vehicles.

Title: Member Forum on BLM Methane Rule

Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM

Location: The Capitol, HVC-201 AB

Witnesses: To be announced

Press Contact

Media Contact: Adam Sarvana

(202) 225-6065 or (202) 225-4079