Trump drastically loosens Biden-era methane rules to ‘save $45 billion’ — why is the gas so dangerous?
The loosening of the methane emissions rule comes as Trump and Republicans in Congress have been methodically dismantling climate policies enacted under former President Joe Biden.
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration intends to "terminate" a Biden-era rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas drilling. The move, which is still a proposal, would reportedly save companies and consumers $45 billion. Trump claimed that Biden's plan "crushed small operators" with "crippling regulations," and that the change would unlock 210 million barrels of oil, equivalent to about 10 days of US petroleum consumption.
The administration's decision comes as Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to dismantle climate policies enacted under former President Joe Biden. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is primarily responsible for about a third of planet-warming emissions, according to scientists. It contributes to ground-level ozone and pollution, which negatively affects human health.
Oil and gas operations account for the largest industrial source of methane, which is the main component of natural gas. Over 60% of methane emissions result from human activity, with agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste sectors contributing the most. The fossil fuel sector, including oil, gas, and coal, presents the greatest potential for rapid and affordable methane reductions.
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