Udall Comments on NASA Hot Spot Study

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the NASA-led study of the methane "hot spot" over the Four Corners region:

"This new study sheds valuable light on the amount and sources of methane pollution in the Four Corners region, and I thank NASA for its scientific efforts. I believe these results should inform all parties - regulators, industry, and the public - as we work to significantly improve air quality. Natural gas waste has already cost New Mexico taxpayers and oil and gas producers more than $100 million in revenue during a time when the state is hurting financially. Not only is methane a contributor to climate change, it is associated with smog that, combined with other pollutants, has been linked to cancer, lung ailments, and other public health problems. The information in this paper will help us find the most effective way to reduce pollution and protect the air, New Mexico families' health, and the state's economy."