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.

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

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