WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) released the following statement after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the delay of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final rule on methane emissions from oil and gas sources on federal and Indian land until January 2019.

“Today’s decision to delay the misguided BLM methane rule is a welcome reprieve for energy production and jobs across the West,” said Barrasso. “Wyoming and other states are already leading the way when it comes to regulating methane emissions. I’m encouraged by Sec. Zinke’s action to delay this unnecessary rule and I urge the administration to rescind it as soon as possible.

“BLM should focus its resources on permitting natural gas pipelines on federal lands. More pipelines will help producers capture additional gas and get that gas to market. That’s a win-win for our environment and our economy.”

Background:

On May 10, 2017, Barrasso called on Sec. Zinke to withdraw the BLM’s final rule on methane emissions from oil and gas sources on federal and Indian land.

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