New Mexico’s oil and natural gas operators would be required to capture 98% of their gas waste by the end of 2026 under rules that took effect Tuesday.

Permian flaring

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Oil Conservation Division (OCD) officially enacted the rule following two years of stakeholder outreach and technical research. The final rules had been approved in March.

The state, home to a prized portion of the Permian Basin as well as the San Juan Basin, now has the “nation’s strongest gas capture requirements in the country,” said OCD director Adrienne Sandoval.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders as we implement these rules that will help New Mexico meet our ambitious climate goals and foster innovation in the oil and gas...