Trump drastically loosens oil and gas methane rules

President Donald Trump announced significant changes to methane emission rules impacting the oil and gas industry on Tuesday. The modifications, announced at a rally in support of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, aim to save consumers and producers an estimated US$45 billion. This comes as Biden's Democratic predecessor implemented the regulations.

Trump stated the move would unlock substantial quantities of Texas natural gas, given the state's leading position in fossil-fuel production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) echoed the US$45 billion figure, emphasizing the importance of affordable energy for heating homes and fueling vehicles.

The rollback targets rules aimed at curbing methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for about a third of global warming since the pre-industrial era. Methane traps far more heat than carbon dioxide but remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period.

Critics argue the changes amount to a "toothless" standard, allowing oil and gas corporations to claim regulation compliance while continuing to leak and flare dangerous amounts of methane. The Super Emitter Program, which enables EPA-approved observers to report significant leaks, is also set to be eliminated. Additionally, regulations against marginal wells producing low oil-equivalent amounts daily and rules around routine gas flaring will be relaxed.

The changes come amid voter concerns over rising energy costs due to Trump's stance on Iran. Polls suggest Republicans might lose control of Congress in the upcoming midterms.