Judge halts methane regulation in five states over states' rights dispute

The Biden administration’s new methane rule was blocked by a federal judge in North Dakota, who ruled that it infringes on state authority in five states.

Lesley Clark reports for E&E News.

In short:

• A judge halted a rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) targeting methane flaring in North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.
• The states argued the rule overlapped with existing federal and state laws and would harm local industries.
• The ruling noted the states were likely to win the case and that the BLM lacked authority to regulate in this area.

Key quote:

“BLM haphazardly adds more stringent flaring restrictions and bureaucratic hoops the states have to jump through.”

— Judge Daniel Traynor

Why this matters:

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and stricter controls on emissions are key to addressing climate change. However, the ruling reflects ongoing tensions between federal and state regulations, particularly in energy-rich regions.