IPL-NM-EP Speaks Out Against Congressional Effort to Repeal Methane Safeguard

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The House & Senate introduced companion Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions today that undermine a critical measure to #CutMethane waste and pollution from oil & gas operations. 

Their proposed resolutions target a rule implementing the Methane Emissions Reduction Program’s waste emissions charge which calls polluters to be responsible for excessive pollution. The methane polluter fee aims to cut excessive waste, secure American energy, create jobs and only applies to oil and gas companies that do not meet the industry’s own pollution reduction targets.

“People of faith in New Mexico believe that caring for communities, and our sacred water, air and land is an ethical and moral responsibility. For more than 10 years people of faith and conscience in New Mexico have worked for strong methane safeguards.

This is one simple and effective way to make sure that business is responsible. Sister Joan Brown, osf, Community Advocate, New Mexico and El Paso Interfaith Power and Light.

Register for Spring Immersion Retreat Experience in SE New Mexico

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The Spring Immersion Retreat Experience in Southeast New Mexico is slated for March 27-29.  This is an opportunity to travel in individually or in carpools to Carlsbad and other communities in the Permian Basin to understand the scope of oil and gas extraction, impacts on communities, and to reflect and engage.

Donation of $100 requested to assist with expenses, but no one turned away.  Housing, food, travel for Permian tour, and other expenses covered.  Reflection and prayer are integrated into the experience.

Contact Sr. Joan at joan@nm-ipl.org to sign up or for information and all the details.

EDF Examines Biden Administration’s Emissions Initiative

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This is an excerpt from blog post published by the Environmental Defense Fund on June 27, 2024

Unpacking the Biden administration’s announcement of $850 million to tackle oil and gas methane emissions

The Biden administration just made another major investment in a cleaner, safer energy future for all Americans. On Friday, EPA and the Department of Energy announced applications are open for $850 million in funding to monitor and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.  

Applicants will apply for grants to implement projects under one of three areas of interest , or AOI, with applications due August 26th. In alignment with the Justice40 Initiative, all projects will need to ensure that 40 percent of benefits go to disadvantaged communities and will be required to submit a community benefits plan….

These efforts build upon EPA’s and DOE’s commitment in December of $350 million to 14 states to permanently plug and eliminate emissions at marginal conventional wells and support environmental restoration of well pads. Combining that with the first AOI brings the total for marginal well methane mitigation to $650 million, which is nearly half of all MERP funding.

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