IPAA speaks out against BLM’s new waste prevention initiative

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) decried the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) newly proposed waste prevention and resource conservation regulation on venting and flaring gas on Friday, warning that it undercuts energy companies.

“This proposed rule is an arbitrary attempt at regulating air, which is outside the scope of jurisdiction held by the BLM,” IPAA said. “The rule also conflicts with regulations that are currently going through the rulemaking process within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At a time when market forces are already creating economic challenges for the U.S. oil and natural gas industry, this proposed rule adds additional regulatory uncertainty for companies that are struggling to stay in business and keep Americans employed.

“Independent oil and natural gas producers are good stewards of our public and private lands. They would not choose to waste this valuable, clean-burning resource that could economically be brought to market. Producers have every incentive to capture and sell their product to consumers – ensuring a fair return to the American taxpayers – rather than let it escape in the atmosphere. If constraints on U.S. energy infrastructure and pipelines were properly addressed, companies would have far fewer reasons to vent or flare associated gas apart from safety concerns.”

The IPAA was not the only organization to speak out regarding the proposed rule. Western Energy Alliance, the U.S. Oil and Gas Association, and the American Exploration and Production Council also sent comments to the BLM.

The IPAA is comprised of thousands of independent natural gas and oil companies, as well as other industry leaders.