"WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's administration on Monday proposed rules aimed at limiting methane leaks from oil and gas drilling on public lands, Washington's latest move to crack down on emissions of the potent greenhouse gas.

The proposal complements new rules the U.S. government already proposed for the industry on private lands. It would place monthly limits on flaring and require oil and gas companies to undertake methane leak detection programs for operations on federal lands, where nearly a tenth of U.S. oil and natural gas production takes place, primarily in Western states.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said the rules would help prevent gas from being wasted and boost taxypayer returns.

"This draft rule is a common-sense, environmentally responsible solution as we address the damage that wasted natural gas causes,” BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in a statement."

Valerie Volcovici and Nichola Groom report for Reuters November 28, 2022. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"US Rule Would Limit Methane Leaks From Public Lands Drilling" (AP) [3]