As a general internal medicine physician in the Four Corners area for 13 years, I support the BLM methane rules.

Methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted through oil and gas infrastructure pose ongoing and immediate threats to the health and well-being of local communities.

Ozone pollution formed by the combination of VOCs and methane causes increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations and school absenteeism due to detrimental effects on the lungs and respiratory system of the human body.

Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to suffering poor health consequences from ozone pollution. Furthermore, methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and through such effects causes an even greater threat to the long-term health of humans.

As the climate warms, we see increasing death and disease due to heat-related illness, respiratory illnesses, allergies, insect-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, food insecurity, water insecurity, and mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress related to worsening natural disasters.

Agriculture and fresh water resources are imperiled by a warming climate, which in turn leads to food shortages and malnourishment of millions of us. A sense of urgency is upon us as the World Health Organization projects 250,000 people will die yearly starting in 2030 due to the health impacts of a warming climate.

Limiting methane emissions supports the well-being of the people of the Four Corners area as well as the health of people throughout the globe.

Robin E. Richard, M.D.

Cortez