Osterday letter: Methane waste

The Senate failed to get the votes to rescind the BLM Methane Waste Rule, holding in place this common-sense regulation that limits gas emissions. This rule creates energy-efficiency jobs, ensures limited waste of natural gas and provides clean-air benefits.

After visiting his office earlier this spring about this issue, I am disappointed that Sen. Mike Crapo did not vote to keep this rule. Idaho had nothing to gain by his vote, and in fact it would’ve negatively impacted residents of the state.

I never heard back directly from Crapo or his office about why he supported this, but imagine it’s related to the $100,000 he has collected from oil and gas interests. Money speaks louder than the hundreds of calls he received from constituents in favor of keeping this rule.

It’s time to hold Crapo accountable for his indefensible position. When will we get an independent thinker who puts Idaho and the country ahead of party politics?

I’m thankful that Sen. John McCain voted against the party line because he found it unconscionable to rescind a rule that would make permanent our ability to go back and monitor methane emissions in the future.

This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Osterday letter: Methane waste."