August 13, 2026, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) petitioned the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) to adopt a proposed new air quality regulation, 20.2.51 NMAC (New Mexico Administrative Code), Methane Abatement. The proposed rule would establish new requirements to reduce methane emissions from New Mexico’s oil and natural gas sector through a methane super-emitter program and a zero-methane emissions standard for certain natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers. The proposed rule language is available here.
The proposed rule supports New Mexico’s broader climate goals established under Executive Order 2019-003, which set a statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The proposed rule would also complement existing methane requirements administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) under 19.15.27 and 19.15.28 NMAC.
Methane Super-Emitter Program
A key component of the proposed 20.2.51 NMAC is establishing a methane super-emitter program to identify and address large, uncontrolled releases of natural gas that might otherwise go unidentified and unabated for extended periods. Under the proposed rule, a super-emitter event would be a methane emissions event of 50 kilograms per hour (kg/hr) or greater detected using an NMED-approved remote sensing technology and detection method. Certified third-party notifiers using approved technologies would be permitted to submit notifications of detected super-emitter events to NMED. After receiving a qualifying notification, NMED would notify the owner or operator of sources located within 50 meters of the reported event location. The notified owner or operator would then be required to investigate the event to determine its source and repair the methane leak or leaks within three calendar days of receiving the notification, as applicable.
The proposed 50 kg/hr threshold is notably lower than the threshold established under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) Super Emitter Program. U.S. EPA defines a super-emitter event as an event with a quantified methane emissions rate of 100 kg/hr or greater that is detected using remote detection methods. Therefore, a methane release that does not meet the federal 100 kg/hr super-emitter threshold could still trigger the proposed New Mexico requirements if the event is detected at or above 50 kg/hr. The two programs also differ in their response timelines. Under the proposed New Mexico rule, the notified owner or operator must investigate and repair the responsible leak within three calendar days of receiving notification. Under the federal program, U.S. EPA gives the notified owner or operator five days to initiate an investigation and 15 days to complete the investigation and report its findings.
For operators, this difference introduces an important compliance consideration. Facilities should consider whether existing methane detection and response procedures are prepared to address events at the lower New Mexico threshold. A facility’s obligation to investigate a potential methane release could also originate from emissions detected remotely by an approved third party rather than through the facility’s own monitoring program or a traditional regulatory inspection.
Zero-methane Standard for Pneumatic Controllers
Proposed 20.2.51 NMAC would also establish a zero-methane emissions standard beginning in 2031 for natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers at oil and gas production, processing, transportation, and storage facilities.
Affected facilities include:
- Gathering and boosting stations
- Natural gas processing plants
- Tank batteries
- Transmission compressor stations
- Well sites
The proposed rule also establishes requirements for closed vent systems used to comply with the zero-methane emissions standard for process controllers, including inspection requirements, design and operational requirements, and initial and ongoing compliance demonstrations. Operators with potentially affected equipment should evaluate their existing pneumatic controller inventories and identify equipment subject to the proposed standard. The 2031 compliance date also provides an opportunity to consider the proposed requirements when developing equipment replacement schedules and planning future projects.
How Does the Proposed Rule Fit with Existing Methane Requirements?
The proposed Methane Abatement Rule would add another component to New Mexico’s existing methane regulatory framework. EMNRD currently regulates natural gas waste under 19.15.27 and 19.15.28 NMAC. NMED’s proposed 20.2.51 NMAC would complement these existing requirements by establishing a super-emitter response program and requiring zero methane emissions from affected pneumatic controllers beginning in 2031. The proposed measures are also part of New Mexico’s broader climate strategy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
What Should Operators be Thinking About?
Although 20.2.51 NMAC has not yet been adopted, operators with facilities in New Mexico should begin considering how the proposed requirements could affect their existing methane management and compliance programs. Operators should identify potentially affected facilities and equipment and review their current procedures for detecting, investigating, and responding to methane releases. They should also consider how third-party super-emitter notifications would fit within existing leak detection and repair programs. For facilities with natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers, operators should review existing equipment inventories and consider the proposed 2031 zero-methane standard when planning future equipment replacements and capital projects. As the rulemaking progresses, operators should continue tracking changes to investigation, repair, notification, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements.
What’s Next?
NMED petitioned the EIB to adopt 20.2.51 NMAC on August 13, 2026, under EIB Docket No. 26-78 (R). The EIB considered NMED’s request for a rulemaking hearing at its August 28, 2026 meeting. NMED has requested that a public rulemaking hearing begin November 30, 2026, and continue through December 3, 2026, or as long as necessary to receive testimony, evidence, and public comment.
NMED will continue working with stakeholders and accepting input and feedback on the proposed rule leading up to the rulemaking hearing. Interested stakeholders may submit comments through NMED’s online public comment portal. Operators should continue monitoring the rulemaking process as the proposed requirements remain subject to change before adoption.
How Can ALL4 Help?
ALL4 is closely following the development of New Mexico’s proposed Methane Abatement Rule and its potential impacts on oil and natural gas operations. ALL4 can assist operators with evaluating the applicability of proposed 20.2.51 NMAC to their facilities, reviewing existing methane monitoring and response programs, assessing pneumatic controller inventories, and preparing for potential new compliance obligations.
For questions about the proposed New Mexico Methane Abatement Rule or how these requirements may affect your facility, please contact Molly Vaziri at mvaziri@all4inc.com or Brian Taylor at btaylor@all4inc.com.
