EPA Proposal Cuts Methane Rules, Citing Billions in Industry Savings

The Trump administration is moving to reduce federal oversight of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The proposal targets a rule finalized in 2023 by the Biden administration, which required specific controls on gas leaks at drilling sites across the United States. Officials argue that the new framework will remove regulatory barriers and return control of production costs to the industry.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. In a twenty-year period, it traps heat at a rate estimated to be 80 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. The 2023 rule sought to limit the release of this gas from pipelines, refineries, and wells. The current proposal would loosen those restrictions, particularly for older, lower-volume wells that generate limited revenue.

President Trump announced the initiative on Tuesday in Lubbock, Texas, during a campaign stop. He stated that the revision, made under the Clean Air Act, would save the industry billions of dollars. The timing coincides with Republican efforts to address voter concerns over high gas prices ahead of the midterm elections.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the move in a press release. He said the previous administration's rules destructively targeted millions of workers and businesses. Zeldin described the oil and gas sector as the heartbeat of the nation's economy, claiming the new rules would protect that foundation from excessive government intervention.

Industry leaders have welcomed the change. Dustin Meyer, vice president of the American Petroleum Institute, said the trade group looks forward to a more workable approach. Meyer noted that the proposal provides greater regulatory certainty while still allowing for continued emissions reductions. The industry had vigorously opposed the 2023 standards, citing compliance challenges.

Environmental experts argue the rollback may increase long-term costs. Jon Goldstein, an associate vice president at the Environmental Defense Fund, stated that capturing more natural gas allows companies to sell more product, which offsets compliance expenses. Goldstein said leaking gas harms energy security and reduces the tax revenue available to taxpayers.

The proposal would also weaken the Methane Super Emitter Program, which was set to begin in January 2027. That program would have allowed certified third parties, including satellite operators, to monitor and report large leaks. Paasha Mahdavi, a political science professor at UC Santa Barbara, explained that these third parties help the government identify violations that are otherwise difficult to see. The EPA plans to hold a public hearing and accept comments for at least 45 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.