Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on EPA Promoting Methane Emissions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the rollback of key regulations restricting harmful methane gas emissions:

"Energy production drives our state's economy and provides good-paying jobs, and we can continue to do it while strengthening, not weakening, protections for clean air for the workers and families who work in and near the industry,” said Vasquez. “Excess methane emissions are known to cause respiratory disease and other ailments, and many producers in the Permian Basin have implemented new technology to prevent leaks and capture more methane, and that work must continue. This harmful rollback is the wrong choice for the health of our workers, communities, and companies that have responsibly worked toward reducing excess emissions."

The 2023 methane rule established stronger nationwide standards to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas operations, including requirements for companies to regularly monitor equipment for leaks, quickly repair breaks, limit routine flaring, and reduce emissions from wells, storage tanks, compressors, and other equipment. The rule also required states to develop plans to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas facilities. The Administration’s rollback would weaken these protections, reducing requirements on oil and gas producers to detect and address methane pollution and potentially allowing more wasted natural gas and harmful emissions into New Mexico communities.

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