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ARTICLE · 07 NOVEMBER 2018

Environmental Organizations Challenge Rollback Of Obama-Era Methane Rule

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On September 28, 2018, several environmental groups filed suit, challenging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's ("BLM") rule rescinding ("Rescission Rule") almost all provisions of the Waste...

United StatesEnvironment
Nicholas Faas
Nicholas Faas
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On September 28, 2018, several environmental groups filed suit, challenging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's ("BLM") rule rescinding ("Rescission Rule") almost all provisions of the Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation Rule ("Waste Prevention Rule"). Sierra Club v. Zinke, No. 3:18-cv-5984 (N.D. Cal.).

The Waste Prevention Rule, promulgated by BLM during the Obama Administration, became effective on January 17, 2017. The Waste Prevention Rule aimed to reduce waste and climate change-causing methane emissions by requiring waste-minimization plans, gas-capture percentages, and leak detection and repair, along with other provisions.

The Rescission Rule rescinds numerous requirements of the Waste Prevention Rule, including those pertaining to waste-minimization plans, gas-capture percentages, well drilling, well completion and related operations, and leak detection and repair. The Rescission Rule also includes changes to

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