EU proposes climate rules delay, warning of 'challenging' winter ahead
The EU proposed to delay new rules to cut planet-warming emissions from methane Tuesday, warning of a tough winter ahead with "very high" oil and gas prices owing to the US-Iran war.
The European Union has proposed delaying new rules aimed at cutting methane emissions, expressing concern over a difficult winter ahead and soaring energy prices due to the US-Iran conflict. EU Energy Chief Dan Jorgensen suggested pushing back the rules by one year to ease pressure on energy markets. Jorgensen stated that energy prices have surged, with gas prices in Europe doubling as the bloc prepares for winter.
Though Brussels did not anticipate supply security issues, Jorgensen warned of "very high" prices. France and other nations advocated for postponing the rules requiring oil and gas importers to monitor and report methane emissions, as some exporters might refrain from supplying Europe due to non-compliance. Jorgensen emphasized the EU's commitment to climate objectives but acknowledged the delay would provide market stability for member states.
Record diesel prices were highlighted, with energy consumption already high across the bloc. The European Commission suggested demand reduction measures to curb prices, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) expressed hope that Europe and its allies would cooperate to mitigate the winter's risks.
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