10/27/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2026
Dakota Resource Council Condemns Federal Rollback of Methane Safeguards
BISMARCK, N.D.—Dakota Resource Council spoke out today against the Trump administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for moving to weaken federal methane emissions standards for the oil and gas industry.
For years, DRC members living on the front lines of oil and gas extraction in the Bakken have organized, testified, and worked tirelessly to secure common sense safeguards that stop toxic leaks and routine flaring. The EPA proposal will relax leak monitoring requirements for aging, low producing wells and eliminate the Methane Super Emitter Program, which gave communities and independent monitors the ability to track and report major leaks.
Despite producing a small fraction of the nation's oil, aging marginal wells account for roughly half of the industry's methane emissions. Along with methane, leaky oil and gas equipment releases volatile organic compounds and carcinogens like benzene straight into local airsheds, while wasting valuable gas resources that belong to the public and tribal mineral owners.
Statement from Rep. Lisa Finley DeVille (D 4A), Former Chair of Dakota Resource Council:
“The Trump administration’s move to weaken methane pollution standards is another example of putting oil company profits ahead of people’s health. On Fort Berthold and across western North Dakota, our communities have suffered for decades from oil and gas pollution. Our children, elders, and families deserve clean air, not more toxic emissions.
“These standards hold oil companies accountable for pollution they create. Weakening them allows wealthy corporations to increase profits while communities bear the consequences.
“Oil companies have extracted billions from our lands. The least they can do is protect our air. Our health should never be sacrificed for corporate profits.”
Dakota Resource Council remains committed to defending rural and tribal communities across North Dakota from unchecked industrial pollution. DRC will continue organizing landowners, tribal members, and everyday North Dakotans to demand strong federal and state enforcement that protects our air, land, and water.
