EPA says will rescind policy targeting oil and gas industry methane leaks

The US Environmental Protection Agency is set to propose rescinding a Biden-era policy aimed at reducing methane leaks from oil and gas operations, according to Reuters on October 7. This decision is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to decrease regulations, which it claims harm American businesses as it aims to increase domestic fossil fuel production.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated in a statement that Americans must be able to afford home heating in winter and fuel for their cars and commute, which cannot be achieved when the energy producers are burdened by unnecessary constraints. The EPA's proposal, known as the super emitter program, mandates companies to address suspected methane leaks reported by third parties through remote sensing.

Methane, the second-leading cause of climate change after carbon dioxide, is a significant emission from the oil and gas industry.