Stakeholder Review Draft - New Rule 20.2.51 NMAC, Methane Abatement
NMED announces an upcoming rulemaking to adopt new rule 20.2.51 NMAC, Methane Abatement.
The rule would establish a methane super-emitter program to reduce large, uncontrolled releases of natural gas that can go unidentified and unabated for extended periods. The availability, use and expansion of remote sensing technologies for methane super-emitters is already utilized by many entities for this type of detection, and this rule would enable certified third-party notifiers to submit notifications of super-emitter events detected using approved technologies to NMED. Under the rule, NMED would provide notification of the super-emitter event to the owner or operator of any source located within 50 meters of the event location. The owner or operator would then be required to conduct an investigation to determine the source of the super-emitter event and repair the responsible methane leak(s).
The new rule would also establish a zero methane emission standard beginning in 2031 for natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers at gathering and boosting stations, natural gas processing plants, tank batteries, transmission compressor stations, and well sites.
A stakeholder review draft of new rule 20.2.51 NMAC is available at the "Review Documents" link below for public review and comment before NMED finalizes its petition proposal. NMED will accept comments on the draft rule until 11:59 p.m. on July 29, 2026.
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NMED announces an upcoming rulemaking to adopt new rule 20.2.51 NMAC, Methane Abatement.
The rule would establish a methane super-emitter program to reduce large, uncontrolled releases of natural gas that can go unidentified and unabated for extended periods. The availability, use and expansion of remote sensing technologies for methane super-emitters is already utilized by many entities for this type of detection, and this rule would enable certified third-party notifiers to submit notifications of super-emitter events detected using approved technologies to NMED. Under the rule, NMED would provide notification of the super-emitter event to the owner or operator of any source located within 50 meters of the event location. The owner or operator would then be required to conduct an investigation to determine the source of the super-emitter event and repair the responsible methane leak(s).
The new rule would also establish a zero methane emission standard beginning in 2031 for natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers at gathering and boosting stations, natural gas processing plants, tank batteries, transmission compressor stations, and well sites.
A stakeholder review draft of new rule 20.2.51 NMAC is available at the "Review Documents" link below for public review and comment before NMED finalizes its petition proposal. NMED will accept comments on the draft rule until 11:59 p.m. on July 29, 2026.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields