President Donald Trump announced plans to roll back methane emissions regulations for oil and gas companies, a move aimed at easing burdens on energy producers just a week before the midterm elections. Speaking at a rally in Texas, Trump declared his intention to terminate the Biden-era methane rules finalized in 2024, calling them "expensive and unnecessary." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previewed changes to loosen regulations on methane leaks at lower-production oil wells, among other adjustments.
The rollback targets so-called stripper wells, which produce about 7% to 8% of U.S. natural gas but are believed to account for roughly 50% of methane leaks. The National Stripper Well Association has advocated for the change, arguing that compliance costs make these wells uneconomical to operate. As part of the rollback, the EPA also plans to eliminate its Super Emitter Program, which allowed third-party groups to report methane leaks using satellites or thermal imaging cameras.
Environmental and health groups have criticized the move, warning that it will increase atmospheric pollution and worsen climate change. Liz Scott of the American Lung Association noted that rolling back methane protections would also reduce safeguards against volatile organic compounds, harming communities near oil and gas sites. David Doniger of the Natural Resources Defense Council called methane leaks "one of the dumbest forms of pollution," as the industry loses a sellable product while damaging the planet.
Before the rollbacks can take effect, they must undergo an EPA rulemaking process, including a public comment period. Legal challenges from environmental groups, including the NRDC, are expected if the final rule is implemented. The methane rollback is part of a broader Trump administration effort to dismantle regulations aimed at combating climate change, including recent repeals of vehicle emissions rules and plans to relax limits on coal- and gas-fired power plants.