NMIPL IN THE NEWS

EPA’s Supplemental Methane Hearing starts Today

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 #ClimateCrisishttps://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

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.

Coalition Seeks Permanent Protections for Caja del Rio in Northern NM

The Caja del Rio area features thousands of ancient petroglyphs from the 13th to 17th centuries, and is sacred to the Pueblo people.

Andrew Black – public lands field director with the National Wildlife Federation  (and associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe)- said that’s why a broad coalition has come together seeking permanent protections, tribal co-management and stewardship investments.

“It’s an area of tremendous cultural, historical, archaeological, spiritual and, of course, wildlife values,” said Black. “And it’s just really a remarkable landscape that speaks to the rich and diverse identity of not only New Mexico’s people but the people of the American Southwest.”

Listen here to a report on Public News Service

How you can help

Carlsbad Current Argus. Sep. 3, 2020 New Mexico finalizes oil and gas wastewater regulations, lawmakers hear testimony (Rev. Nick King Quoted)

Las Cruces Sun-News,  Aug. 19, 2020, Report on solving climate crisis brings hope (Co-authored by Michael Sells, Clara Sims and Edith Yanez)

Santa Fe New Mexican, Aug. 15, 2020 Vote your values this November  (Commentary by Larry Rasmussen and Tabitha Arnold)