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New Mexico establishes precedent for automated OGI surveying, signaling broader regulatory shift

With the recent update to New Mexico’s Environmental Department (NMED) conditional approval guidelines, Percepto’s autonomous OGI drones are now compliant for use in state-regulated methane inspections. This change is the next step in a broader regulatory shift toward adopting advanced technologies to meet sustainability goals, by enabling operators to leverage cutting-edge technology that enhances operational efficiency and scales inspection capabilities. 

For Percepto, this is a critical milestone. Percepto’s OGI drones not only meet New Mexico’s stringent regulatory standards but also provide operators with a more efficient, cost-effective solution for managing methane emissions, while delivering highly accurate and actionable data.

NMED’s commitment to promoting technology in environmental monitoring

In coordination with Percepto’s customers in the region, NMED has refined its OGI-by-drone conditional approval waiver, transitioning away from a fixed distance requirement from emission sources and focusing instead on detection sensitivity capabilities. The new requirement is that drone based systems can detect emissions ranging from 1-5kg/hr (depending on the desired inspection frequency, shown below).

NMED conditional approval inspection frequencies

Minimum frequency for monitoring Minimum detection threshold of OGI camera (kg/hr)
(based on 90% detection threshold)
Monthly ≤ 5
Quarterly, Semi-annual, or Annual  ≤ 1

Table 1: Required detection thresholds at different inspection frequencies

This update is a game-changer for automated methane inspections, and Percepto in particular, as our drones are capable of detecting emissions as low as 100g/hr with 90% reliability from ~100ft away from an emission source. The previous requirement was that drones must carry out inspections no more than 10m (roughly 33ft) from an emission source, making drone based inspections significantly less efficient and minimizing the ability to reduce OpEx.

This change enables the use of Percepto’s technology to carry out inspections more efficiently, while maintaining the same high standards of detection accuracy.

A closer look at automated OGI surveying:

  • Autonomous surveying: Percepto’s drones allow operators to conduct OGI surveys remotely, backed by powerful software – so it’s easy to integrate into existing workflows. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes complexity and safety risks to the workforce — all while increasing inspection frequency.
  • Ready to scale: The solution generates and analyzes data at a scale that’s cost effective, as the drone can inspect each asset at a distance of around 40m (130ft), which is 4 times the distance from each emission source previously defined by NMED.

Percepto autonomous OGI drone taking off

  • High precision: Percepto’s OGI drones can detect emissions as low as 100g/hr with 90% reliability. This level of precision allows operators to detect small emissions early, before they turn into larger emissions.
  • Pinpointing emissions: In addition to detecting emissions, Percepto’s drones can identify the exact source of the leak at the component level. This enables operators to focus maintenance efforts precisely where they’re needed most, reducing unnecessary in-field inspections and improving maintenance efficiency.

NMED conditional approval in the field

Some operators are already moving forward with plans to use Percepto’s autonomous drones for their required state inspections in New Mexico, as the updated conditional approval provides a clear framework for operators to integrate aerial OGI surveying into their methane inspection programs. By issuing a conditional approval (as opposed to a state run approval process for each technology), the responsibility to ensure compliance with the approval criteria is placed on the operator. 

Clients currently looking to automate their state-required inspections feel confident that the technology meets NMED’s standards, both because the tech is proven to detect emissions much smaller than those required, and because the criteria have been altered with Percepto’s system in mind.

Remote operations with Percepto software

Looking ahead: embracing automated OGI surveying for compliance and efficiency

The recent update from NMED signals a clear shift toward the adoption of advanced technologies for methane emissions monitoring. With Percepto’s OGI drones now compliant for use in New Mexico, we are seeing a pivotal moment in how the industry is evolving. Automated OGI surveying is no longer a future concept—it is quickly becoming the standard for ensuring compliance while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Operators who are early adopters of this technology will be better positioned to meet both current and future regulatory requirements, ensuring a scalable, cost-effective approach to emissions monitoring. As we move closer to obtaining EPA alternative test method approval in 2025, the trend toward automation in emissions management will only grow stronger.

Post Written by

Neta leads Percepto’s policy and government affairs, ensuring the company’s technology aligns with evolving regulations. She works closely with Percepto’s clients, the FAA, EPA, and other regulators to navigate complex compliance challenges while shaping policies that support automation in emissions monitoring and infrastructure inspections. With a strong background in regulatory strategy and policy development, Neta plays a key role in driving regulatory clarity for autonomous technology. Before joining Percepto, she held legal and corporate positions at IBM, Shibolet & Co., and other leading firms. Neta holds a B.Sc. in Law from The College of Management Academic Studies and a Master of Law from Tel Aviv University.