U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, released the following statement on the Department of the Interior’s proposed rule on methane and gas flaring from energy production on public and American Indian lands.  

“The flaring and venting of natural gas is a serious challenge that requires serious solutions, and we can start by reforming the permitting process for natural gas pipelines and gathering lines that are critical to moving this important resource to market. In my home state of Alaska, only a miniscule portion of our gross withdrawals are for safety flares, a reminder of the diverse geographic, technical, economic, and regulatory dimensions to this problem. I will study this proposal carefully, evaluating it as part of an avalanche of regulations the Administration is promulgating on its way out the door.”

Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.