Satellite Detects Major Methane Leaks at New Mexico Oil and Gas Operations

A recent report published by the Gas Leaks Project and Earthworks tallied 166 major methane leaks across 121 oil and gas facilities in New Mexico between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. According to the findings, very few of these leaks appear to have been reported to state authorities as required by local regulations and operator permits.

The emissions were captured by Carbon Mapper's Tanager-1 methane detection satellite during 50 imaging sweeps of the Permian Basin. Researchers successfully traced the plumes to specific energy facilities, noting that all identified leaks with complete data qualify as high-polluting super-emitter events under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Methane Super Emitter Program.

Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson, senior manager for state policy at Earthworks, expressed astonishment at the sheer scale and frequency of the plumes. Energy Transfer and Targa Resources recorded the highest number of entries in the report, though representatives did not respond to inquiries. A spokesperson for EOG Resources similarly declined to comment on a significant single recorded incident.

State and federal oversight regarding these emissions remains a point of active discussion. James Kenney, secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, stated that the agency utilizes satellite data for compliance investigations and is considering rules that would mirror federal super-emitter policies, granting the state authority to pursue penalties independently if necessary. Meanwhile, Sidney Hill of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department noted that the Oil Conservation Division reviews validated third-party emissions data as supplemental information during compliance checks.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere far more effectively than carbon dioxide. International organizations emphasize that cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector represents a critical pathway for reducing overall greenhouse gases, with a significant percentage of reductions achievable at no net cost.

In other developments regarding the gas, Cascade Natural Gas recently decided to scrap a proposed renewable natural gas facility at Deschutes County's Knott Landfill in Oregon. Company officials cited rising construction costs and shifting projections in fuel demand under Oregon's Climate Protection Program as the primary reasons for abandoning the project, which aimed to convert captured decomposition gases into usable energy.

Efforts to manage organic waste and curb emissions continue on a local scale elsewhere. Organizations in Summit County, Utah, are currently coordinating community pumpkin composting initiatives to keep food waste out of local landfills, thereby reducing methane generation while advancing broader zero-waste goals.