EPA’s Supplemental Methane Hearing starts Today

/in , , , /by

Take Action, Cut Methane

In November, President Biden issued an updated draft rule to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. The updated rule builds on the draft rule released by EPA in 2021, incorporates much of the feedback offered by communities in the past year, and is an important step towards addressing the climate crisis, safeguarding public health, and creating new jobs in the methane mitigation industry.

Still, there is more work to be done to ensure that the strongest possible methane safeguards are quickly finalized. EPA is hosting three virtual public hearings on January 10-12, 2023 from 10 AM–8 PM Eastern. These hearings are an important opportunity for communities across the country to make their voices heard, and demand that EPA adopts strong, comprehensive methane safeguards to protect our health and our planet.
Please use the guidance below to encourage folks to tune into the hearings this week, and highlight testimony offered by folks from across the country.

Pre-Hearing Guidance

Tomorrow: At virtual public hearings hosted by @EPA, people from across the country call for the strongest #CutMethane safeguards possible & hold polluters accountable! Our health, safety, & futures are on the line. Watch live at TIME/ZONE → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs9R9AAZkAo

Livestream Guidance

WATCH: At virtual public hearings hosted by @EPA [STATERS] are calling for the strongest safeguards possible to #CutMethane from the oil & gas industry. Tune in to learn more about how we can protect #PublicHealth & tackle the #ClimateCrisis → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs9R9AAZkAo
LIVE: Folks from across the country call on @EPA to finalize the strongest #CutMethane safeguards possible & hold polluters accountable! Our health, safety, & futures are on the line. Tune in here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs9R9AAZkAo

Comment Period Pivot Guidance

Can’t join the virtual public hearings on @EPA’s new proposal to #CutMethane? Don’t worry – you can still make your voice heard by submitting a comment urging @EPA to finalize the strongest safeguards possible NOW! Deadline Feb 13: https://cutmethane.org/take-action/
Did you miss your opportunity to speak at @EPA’s virtual public hearings on the #CutMethane rulemaking? There is still time to make your voice heard by submitting a public comment calling for the strongest safeguards possible. Deadline Feb 13: https://cutmethane.org/take-action/

Learn How You Can Champion the Environment During the 2023 Legislative Session

/in , , /by

You are invited to a preview of the New Mexico State legislative session, which begins on Jan. 17.  Learn how you can engage on concerns of climate, economic transition, health and climate, oil and gas reform, Green Amendment, water, and other issues.

Please click here

to register for this Zoom event on Jan. 17, 2023 at 5:30 p.m..
After you register, you will receive a Zoom link.
Co-sponsored by New Mexico El Paso Interfaith Power & Light and Citizens Caring for the Future.

Faith Leaders’ Letter to NM leaders: We have a ‘moral responsibility to act now’ on climate

/in , , , , /by

Dozens of faith leaders from around New Mexico have signed a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Cabinet and agency leaders and our State House Members and Senators urging them to take bold actions to address climate change.  The signators underscored the urgency of the moment and the opportunites to take action during the upcoming State Legislative session, which runs from January 17 to March 18, 2023.

“This past year we suffered from fires, floods, health concerns, early and extended heat, extreme wind, aridity, rivers going dry, farmers and ranchers suffering a loss of income, and growing immigrant numbers because of food insecurity. We also see many people, especially the young, struggling with mental health challenges associated with living in these worsening conditions,” said the letter.

“As the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session begins we see the clock ticking, communities and Earth suffering, and our souls calling for a change. We are compelled to speak for strong actions in this session in several areas

  1.  Strong climate action for our state and government agencies which has at the forefront ethical concerns for equity; economic transition that puts workers and people first as we move from an outsized reliance on oil and gas; economic diversification; intergenerational justice; and care for our sacred land, water, air, and all in the community of life.
  2. Health systems that care for our communities and consider the health effects of climate change and the effects of extractive industries and their legacies on our communities.
  3. Our water concerns must have adequate funding for systemic change, which is required to address the dire issues of water quantity, quality, and aridity in the state. Modernizing water governance, engaging in robust water planning, and funds s to address a variety of concerns is wise stewardship.
  4. Adequate funding for public agencies to work in caring for the health, welfare, and common good.

Read full letter and see who has signed

If you would like to sign the letter as a New Mexico faith leader, contact Sister Joan Brown, joan@nm-ipl.org