API: New methane regulations are duplicative, technically flawed and unnecessary

WASHINGTON, November 15, 2016 – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) new rules are unnecessary and ignore industry’s successes in reducing greenhouse gas and criteria pollutants, according to API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito.

“The BLM's rush to regulate something already being regulated at the state and federal level is an example of poor government policy and a left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. BLM’s new regulations are unnecessary, redundant, technically flawed and could stifle the innovations that have led to our nation’s environmental successes.

“Even as America is leading the world in oil and natural gas production, methane emissions have fallen, thanks to industry leadership and investment in new technologies. U.S. carbon emissions are now near 20-year lows due to increased use of natural gas and the U.S. energy renaissance has saved drivers $550 in fuel costs and saved American household’s an average of $1,337 in energy expenditures in 2015.

“If the goal is to prevent emissions, not impede U.S. energy production, then the BLM should focus on fixing permitting, infrastructure and pipeline delays that slow our nation’s ability to capture more natural gas and deliver affordable energy to consumers.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.