Grijalva Hails New Methane Rule, Urges Regulatory Continuity Rather Than Blanket Rejection From Incoming Administration

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva hailed today’s newly announced Interior Department methane emissions rule for oil and gas extraction on federal land. He urged the incoming administration to maintain the standard.

“Blanket rejection of every Obama administration action, no matter how scientifically well-founded or profitable to the American people those actions might be, is not a viable governing strategy,” Grijalva said. “This is a good example of a change that’s already long overdue and that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand on purely political grounds. The American people can save more money and power more homes with stronger methane standards. That deserves stronger consideration than any desire to stick a thumb in the eye of a popular outgoing president.”

As ABC News reported earlier today:

Under the new rule, drilling companies will be required to capture natural gas that can be used to generate power for millions of homes and businesses, [Interior Secretary Sally] Jewell said. Between 2009 and 2014, enough natural gas was lost through venting, flaring and leaks to power more than 5 million homes for a year, she said.

House Republicans have long called for sweeping deregulation of the oil and gas industry and are expected to press for the rule’s cancellation.

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