Zinke Weighs In on New BLM Rule Against Oil and Gas Development on Federal and Tribal Land

Statement

Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in furtherance of the outgoing Obama Administration's Climate Action Plan, issued their final regulatory rule regarding methane gas emissions and flares that occur during oil and gas development.

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke issued the following statement:

"Clean air and clean water are absolute top priorities when we talk about responsible energy development, however the final rule issued by the Obama Administration does nothing to further protect our resources. Instead, the BLM has issued a duplicative and unnecessary rule against responsible oil and gas development in Montana and on sovereign Tribal lands. This rule is a stark reminder that we need to invest in infrastructure projects like the Keystone pipeline, so we don't need to flare excess gas. Furthermore, new technology in oil and gas development has led to incredible reductions in emissions over the years. I trust Montana's energy workers to continue their good work and technological breakthroughs more than I trust unelected bureaucrats."

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