Certification program aims to cut methane emissions, open doors to global export markets
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD)—part of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department—is launching an incentive program to encourage oil and gas operators to obtain international certification as producers of clean natural gas — with new benefits set to take effect May 1.
Operators who achieve certification under the United Nations Environment Programme's Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) reporting framework will qualify for fewer routine inspections and faster permit processing. The program is designed to reduce methane emissions beyond what state rules already require, while positioning New Mexico natural gas for export to markets in Asia and elsewhere that require compliance with international standards.
"By adopting these international standards, New Mexico oil and gas operators will reduce methane emissions even further than they have by complying with the state's existing methane waste rule," said EMNRD Deputy Secretary Ben Shelton. "It also will open the possibility of exporting New Mexico natural gas to Asia and other markets that require compliance with these international standards."
New Mexico's methane waste rule aligns with the first three levels of the OGMP framework. Meeting the framework's level 4 and 5 standards require more advanced detection, measurement and emissions reduction planning.
New Mexico operators who achieve level 4 and 5 certifications will have their wells subject to fewer in-person inspections, or what in industry parlance are known as AVO (audio/visual/olfactory) inspections. Operators with level 4 certification will undergo quarterly AVO inspections as opposed to the current weekly or monthly inspections. Operators certified at level 5 — often referred to as "the Gold Standard"— would have a waiver from routine AVO inspections but would still be subject to inspections at OCD's discretion.
On permitting, Level 4 operators also would be able to place 11 applications for permits to drill on a priority list for expedited processing each month, up from the current 10. Level 5 operators would be able to place 13 applications on a priority list each month.
San Juan College is currently training individuals who will be able to conduct these certification processes for New Mexico operators. The college also is offering training in a second standard, known as MiQ, which OCD is still reviewing for possible inclusion in the incentive program.
Operators and other stakeholders are invited to submit comments or questions to
