Statement: HECHO Joins Other Latino Organizations in Saying "No" to Rescinding Methane Waste Rule

Today HECHO sent a letter to the Department of the Interior, along with 15 other Latino organizations working in the western United States, opposing any revisions to the BLM Methane Waste Rule. “We write to insist on the protection of the BLM Methane and Waste Prevention Rule and adamantly oppose any revisions to the rule that would allow the harmful release of methane gas from existing and new developments on our public lands," says the letter. "It is the right of all Americans, including Latinos who are disproportionately affected by the health impacts of oil and gas development, to live in environmentally safe and economically vibrant communities.” Other groups that signed the letter include the Hispanic Access Foundation, GreenLatinos, the Hispanic Federation and CHISPAS League of Conservation Voters. 

In addition, HECHO sent our own comment letter to the BLM thanking them for the opportunity to participate in this public comment period, while at the same time urging them to "provide a more robust public process that includes public forums or hearings and stakeholder meetings across the West and extend the comment period on this proposal until after this outreach has taken place.  Such a process would reflect how the BLM arrived at the current rule, and it is important that you hear from the people who are most affected by the waste of resources: the American people and western communities." 

The letter concludes: "We urge the Administration not to rescind the 2016 BLM Methane Waste Rule. The rule makes sense for our economy, for our health, and for the protection of our natural resources. The enormous amount of time and resources that went into developing this rule represent the strength and beauty of our democracy. We urge you not to violate the will of the people by rescinding this important policy."