Statement from Climate Reality President & CEO, Ken Berlin, on Reinstatement of the Bureau of Land Management’s Methane and Waste Prevention Rule

“The decision by a federal court to reinstate the Bureau of Land Management’s 2016 Methane and Waste Prevention Rule is an important win for all of us.

“We know methane – the primary component of natural gas – is a dangerous greenhouse gas accelerating the climate crisis. While we in no way support natural gas, BLM’s rule at least required oil and gas facilities to do the minimum by trapping unused methane, with royalties often going to support local tribes and communities.

“By rolling back this rule, the Trump Administration gave its friends in the fossil fuel sector a green light to pollute our atmosphere, waste millions of dollars of gas, and deprive local communities of important revenue. Reinstating this rule will help reduce greenhouse gas pollution, support communities, and ensure polluters begin to act responsibly.”