ERG Drafts Air Emissions Rule for New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry

ERG recently developed a draft rule for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) that regulates emissions from the oil and gas development industry. The draft rule covers nearly all oil and gas equipment types that emit volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides—both of which threaten human health and air quality—during field operations. After evaluating existing federal and state regulatory options, ERG drafted emission standards and monitoring requirements for each equipment type. Working on an accelerated schedule from mid-May to mid-July, ERG successfully completed and delivered the draft rule to NMED for public comment in July 2020. ERG continues to provide technical support as NMED develops and issues the final rule.