IPAA president & CEO 'disappointed' in Senate vote on methane rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representing the independent producers that develop 90% of America’s oil and natural gas wells, Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) President and CEO Barry Russell issued the following statement on today’s Senate procedural vote failing to allow debate on an Obama-era rule on methane emissions on federal land:

“We’re disappointed the Senate wasn’t able to stop President Obama’s unworkable rule by a federal agency that does not have the Congressionally-granted authority to regulate air quality. This overreaching rule puts independent producers – many of which are small family-run businesses with limited resources – on the hook for complying with the costly burdens of a flawed regulation. This regulation will particularly impact small-producing, marginal wells located on federal lands. Shutting-in these smaller wells means less royalties will get sent back to the federal Treasury. These federal dollars are vital for many western economies and are used to fund state and local priorities, such as education and infrastructure projects like roads and bridges.

“IPAA looks forward to working with the Interior Department on a targeted, meaningful solution that will achieve the common goal of ensuring the American taxpayers receive a fair and equitable return in the form of royalties while developing a safe, workable regulation, instead of this one-size-fits-all approach.”

IPAA thanks Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) for his outstanding leadership on this important issue to America’s independent producers and small businesses.