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Dear Senators:
As retired officers and veterans of the U.S. Military we urge you to vote against S. J. Res 11, the
Congressional Review Act resolution that would roll back the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements
(BLM) Methane Waste and Prevention Rule. This extreme measure would not only rescind the BLM
rule, it could stifle the agency from taking future similar action.
Americas energy security and the responsible development of our natural resources go hand-in-
hand. Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of dollars-worth of natural gas is wasted through the
deliberate venting and flaring of methane (the primary component of natural gas) and through
leaky equipment and infrastructure. For example, in 2013 about $330 million dollars-worth of
natural gas was wasted on public and tribal lands. That is enough natural gas to meet the heating
and cooking needs of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming combined or about 1.5 million homes in
America.
Even though that natural gas is owned by the American taxpayer, the BLM does not assess a royalty
on natural gas that is wasted through flaring, venting, and leaks. That means tens of millions of
dollars in royalty revenue is lost that would have gone to local, state, federal and tribal
governments to fund infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, hospitals, schools, and
more. And if the Senate passes a Congressional Review Act resolution targeting the BLM rule, much
of that waste will continue, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year.
Natural gas waste also has critical implications on Americas role as a leader in fostering energy
security and freedom worldwide.
Today, Russia has a stranglehold on natural gas markets from Italy to Germany to the Ukraine.
Thanks to our vast reserves in shale gas, the U.S. is poised to become more and more of a world
leader in natural gas exports. We should be using that energy to free countries from the grip of
Russia not letting that natural gas go up in flames.
Most importantly, it is simply unconscionable that we allow oil and gas companies to waste
Americas energy resources from public lands while we continue to put our soldiers in harms way
in energy-producing countries in the Middle East.
Again, we urge you to reject S. J. Res 11 so we can ensure the responsible development of our
energy resources, the protection of taxpayers, and our role in the world on energy security.
Very sincerely,
Duncan Hevenor
Casper, WY
U.S. Army
Tom J. Kuzma
Sheridan, WY
U.S. Marine Corps
Richard Medlock
Cheyenne, WY
U.S. Air Force
George Simmons
Green River, WY
U.S. Air Force