Secretary Zinke, please support the BLM Methane Rule as it is. Do not delay it, rewrite it or weaken it.
This rule protects the economy and health of people in the Southwest. Everyone, including my family and friends, are at some point exposed to natural gas well by-products and pollutants on reservations, farms, ranches, outdoor recreation areas and in our towns.
I grew up around BLM lands in Utah, and I go outdoors on BLM land all of the time. Enjoying time in public lands that the BLM manages is a large part of Southwestern culture. I’m very privileged and proud to have these outdoor spaces.
We depend you, Secretary Zinke, to keep the BLM Methane rule’s integrity and original purpose, which protects people in the Southwest.
Yes, Colorado has its own rule on capping methane from oil and gas wells. In doing this, our state is serving the many regions nationally as a role model and protector of people affected by natural gas extraction by-products and pollutants.
However, this is a national issue, after all, atmospheric pollutants produced by natural gas wells are not confined to our state lines. They affect people across the nation. Thus we need a national rule to be implemented immediately to protect us from pollution from other states here in the Four Corners region.
Do not delay the BLM Methane Rule. Implement it immediately!
L. Claer Foster
Durango
