I have previously argued that the downturn in oil and gas development is the perfect time for the Texas Railroad Commission to change its regulations on flaring associated gas.

The current rules – known as Rule 32 – allow drillers to burn off natural gas produced along with more profitable crude oil if there isn’t an immediately available pipeline or other marketing facility to take it. That’s been generously interpreted, despite the fact that the gas could be captured and sold.

— Forbes