As Congress continues its war on America’s clean air, water and public lands, the Senate is expected to vote any day on eliminating standards by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that limit natural gas waste from drilling on public lands. The House recently voted to nix these common sense standards that ensure natural gas is captured and sold, instead of flared and vented, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. While BLM’s methane waste rule is supported by a broad range of businesses, public health and conservation organizations, its repeal is on the wish list of the Koch-backed Freedom Partners.
A review of correspondence with Congressional staff shows the oil and gas industry and big business associations are ramping up lobbying efforts to axe these safeguards.