Trump’s EPA is letting America’s leakiest oil and gas companies off the hook
The proposal would save the oil and gas companies billions by letting them leak more methane. It could also worsen global warming for decades.
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will repeal Obama-era regulations on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, claiming the move will save consumers and energy producers $45 billion. The new proposal, released by the EPA, would relax monitoring and emission-control requirements for methane leaks, which are a potent greenhouse gas responsible for about 12 percent of the United States' annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental groups have criticized the rollback, arguing that weaker restrictions on methane will worsen air pollution in communities near oil and gas operations. Methane's warming potential is 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making its reduction a crucial step in combating climate change. The previous Biden-era rule required operators to monitor emissions, inspect wells and pipelines for leaks, and upgrade equipment to prevent gas flaring.
Trump's EPA has also announced the termination of the Super Emitter Program, which used satellite imagery to identify and address large leaks. The weakened restrictions are part of Trump's "energy dominance" agenda, which aims to expand the country's energy production and reduce dependence on international climate agreements.
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