Barrasso, Bishop introduce joint resolution of disapproval regarding methane rule

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced this week joint resolutions of disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final rule on methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations on federal and Native American land.

Barrasso is chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) and Bishop is chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

BLM’s final rule on Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation is intended to reduce waste of natural gas from venting, flaring and leaks as well as clarify when this lost gas
is subject to royalties.

“Instead of enforcing a duplicative regulation, BLM should use its limited resources to permit natural gas pipelines on federal lands in a timely manner,” Barrasso said. “Pipelines will help producers capture additional gas and get that gas to market. These projects will also create jobs and provide energy for Americans. I look forward to working with Chairman Bishop and other members to do away with this unnecessary and burdensome rule.”

The resolutions would be enacted under the Congressional Review Act, eliminate the rule’s force and effect, and prevent BLM from issuing similar rules without approval from Congress.

“This rule is one of the most egregious abuses of power from the Obama administration designed to shut down responsible energy development on our federal lands,” Bishop said. “When unelected bureaucrats and ideological aims supersede congressional intent and responsible regulation – as was the case with this rule – Congress has an obligation act. This is the first of many steps we will take to cut red tape that is forcing job losses in communities across the country and undercutting our domestic energy resource potential.”