FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2016
Contact: Doug Paddock, IORC, 208-991-4451
As Idaho becomes an oil and gas producing state, new standards will reduce pollution from oil and gas drilling
Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a new proposed rule to help prevent the waste of federal oil and gas resources. In the western United States, oil and gas wells release methane and other chemicals during extraction. Oil and gas companies intentionally flare (burn) or vent the associated natural gas during testing and when pipeline and other infrastructure is unavailable. Unintentional leaking of natural gas is common in many types of equipment.
Gas wasted through flaring, venting and leaks results in the loss of royalty and tax revenue that could benefit federal taxpayers as well as local communities. This waste also impacts communities by contributing to smog, affecting public health through exposure to toxic volatile organic compounds, and contributing to climate change. Flaring, venting and leaking can be reduced by implementing gas-capture planning, new technology to find and fix leaks, and best management practices.
“Our main concern here is leaking equipment. Since in Idaho they are mostly drilling for natural gas and the state’s flaring regulations are relatively good, the BLM proposal requires companies to find and repair leaks and use new technology to prevent them before they start” said Chad Brock, New Plymouth resident and IORC board member. “These standards are an important step to reducing waste and addressing climate change. The combination of reducing methane leaks from drilling and having adequate setbacks from homes and water supplies helps protect our communities here in Idaho as it becomes an oil and gas producing state.”
The BLM will be accepting comments on the rule for 60 days. Comments can be submitted to the following address oira_submission@omb.eop.gov.
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The Idaho Organization of Resource Councils (IORC) is a non-profit grassroots organization working to protect Idaho’s unique way of life by empowering citizens to improve the economic well-being of their communities by preserving family farms and ranches; supporting local, sustainable agriculture; developing small businesses and clean energy; and being responsible stewards of Idaho’s water, land, air, and natural resources.
For more information visit: www.IORCinfo.org