Gordon criticizes proposed EPA rule on methane emissions

CHEYENNE (WNE) — In comments submitted Tuesday, Gov. Mark Gordon criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule establishing a waste emission charge for methane discharges from oil and gas facilities.

Gordon stressed that states like Wyoming are effectively addressing methane and other emissions, and the proposed charge for such emissions is another example of the federal government attempting to “help” the states by promulgating top-down requirements without adequate consultation from the states, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The proposed rule is a result of the Inflation Reduction Act and would establish a fee for the release of methane emissions.

“In addition to more burden to already strapped oil and gas producers, the proposal sets up a ‘bait and switch’ exemption program,” the release said.

Gordon noted the proposal is also flawed since many of its assumptions are based upon other rules that are not yet final.

This story was published on March 28, 2024.