In addition, the rule will capture and put to use up to 41 billion cubic feet of wasted natural gas. It will generate up to $14 million in additional royalties.
For these reasons, the rule became effective on January 17, 2017. However, BLM “initiated a series of illegal attempts” to prevent its implementation “soon after the change in Presidential administration,” according to Becerra and Balderas.
On September 18, the bureau released its final decision to dismantle key requirements of Waste Prevention Rule.
The attorneys general argued that the BLM failed to offer reasonable explanation for its decision. Its rationaled that the rule would “unnecessarily encumber energy production, constrain economic growth, and prevent job creation” has no merit.
Repealing the Waste Prevention Rule is “an attack on public health”
In a statement, Becerra said, “With this attempt to axe the Waste Prevention Rule, the Trump Administration risks the air our children breathe and at taxpayers’ expense.”
On the other hand, CARB Chairwoman Mary D. Nichols, commented, “Repealing a rule that is working is just another giveaway to an industry that doesn’t need it. It’s an attack on public health and continues the administration’s dereliction of duty to protect air quality, taxpayer dollars and the environment.”
