NEW MEXICO – New Mexico’s new oil and gas rules are having a significant impact on reducing the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study released last week by environmental measurement and analysis firm Kayrros.
According to the measurements, New Mexico oil and gas operations emit half as much as those in Texas, per unit. The New Mexico government pointed out that the Texas industry is much less regulated and emissions often cross state lines into New Mexico territory.
Noting that both Texas and New Mexico have experienced exponential growth in oil and gas production during the time period covered by his study, Kayrros said the difference in emissions between the states can only be attributed to New Mexico’s stricter regulations on waste and methane emissions.
“This study proves what we in New Mexico already know: we are doing the right thing at the right time to produce the cleanest barrel of oil in the country,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “But make no mistake: we’re not slowing down to celebrate. We’re all in it: whether it’s building state-of-the-art renewable energy, making more electric vehicles available to residents, shaping a cleaner oil and gas industry, or holding polluters accountable.”
New Mexico’s methane waste regulations went into effect on May 25, 2021. The regulations require all operators to capture 98% of the natural gas they produce by December 31, 2026. In addition, the regulations prohibit routine venting and flaring.
Since the adoption of the venting and flaring regulations, the state has recorded a 36% reduction in gas losses and a 69% reduction in routine venting and flaring operations.
“While the 28 superemitters detected in the Kayrros report are still too many, we are proud of our regulatory efforts and the industry’s response to them,” said New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney.
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