EPA proposes relaxing US oil and gas methane rules

What you need to know

• The existing 2024 rule covered new and existing oil and gas facilities, with requirements to detect and address methane leaks. The proposed revisions would change parts of that framework. 23
• Reporting says the proposal would end the Super Emitter Program, alter flaring limits and loosen requirements for some wells. These are proposed changes, not measures already in force under a final rule. 31
• The administration estimates the changes would save $45 billion and unlock 210 million barrels of oil. These are projections, not demonstrated economic outcomes. 1
• Environmental advocates warn that weaker controls could increase methane pollution and wasted gas, with potential climate and health risks. The sources do not establish what effects the proposal would ultimately have. 34
• The EPA says there will be at least 45 days for public comment and a public hearing after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. 1

Why this matters

Methane monitoring and leak-control requirements are a central part of the federal rules for oil and gas operations. Whether the proposed revisions weaken those controls, and what that means for pollution and gas waste, remains unresolved. 234

What happens next

The EPA’s proposal is due to proceed through publication in the Federal Register, public comments and a hearing. The agency may make changes before any final rule is issued. 1

What we know

• The EPA has announced a proposal to revise the 2024 oil and gas regulations. 1
• The proposal is not yet a final rule, and the EPA has described a public comment process. 1
• The reported changes include revisions to monitoring, flaring and requirements for some wells. 3
• The administration’s savings and production figures are estimates; advocates have raised concerns about possible pollution and gas waste. 14

What we don't know

• What final text the EPA will publish, or what changes it may make after considering public comments. 1
• Whether the administration’s projected savings and additional oil production will be realised. 1
• What the proposal’s eventual effects will be on methane emissions, gas waste and nearby communities. 34

Read the reporting

This WildNews briefing synthesises and summarises reporting from the sources below. WildNews did not produce the original reporting. Learn more about how we use AI