Trump Administration Weakens Methane Regulations for Oil and Gas

• •Trump administration plans to roll back methane regulations for oil and gas companies.
• •The EPA estimates the rollbacks will save the industry $45 billion.
• •Methane leaks are a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 30% of global warming.

The Trump administration announced plans to weaken regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas companies, which are significant contributors to climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to roll back Biden-era rules aimed at reducing methane emissions by 80% over 14 years. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the rollbacks would save the industry $45 billion, despite the rules incurring $18 billion in costs. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for 30% of global warming, and leaks from oil and gas infrastructure are a major source of emissions. The proposed changes include easing standards for marginal wells, which produce little fuel but contribute heavily to methane pollution. Environmental advocates argue that the health and economic costs of increased methane emissions will outweigh any savings for the industry. The announcement was made at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, a key state for oil production.