Low-producing, high-emitting wells are estimated to produce about half of U.S. methane emissions
The Trump administration plans to weaken methane-emission rules for U.S. oil and gas companies, according to reports from The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Hill. The reports cited unnamed sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce the proposal on Tuesday at a campaign rally in Texas. He is expected to make the case that the changes will encourage more domestic oil production, and the administration expects them to save oil and gas companies $45 billion.
UPI characterized the administration’s record this way: “Trump and his administration have consistently worked to weaken and undo U.S. regulations meant to combat climate change.” The rules at issue require gas and oil companies to limit methane leaks.
Methane is the main component of natural gas and is considered a “super pollutant.” It traps about 80% more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
The Times reported that methane is responsible for nearly one-third of the rise in worldwide temperatures since the start of the Industrial Revolution.
The changes would particularly apply to low-producing, high-emitting oil and gas wells, which are estimated to produce about 7% of U.S. oil and gas production and about 50% of U.S. methane emissions. The proposal would also include relaxed rules for the broader oil sector.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said earlier this month that the agency was readying the policy. He said some oil and gas producers had called the Biden-era rules on emissions “too expensive and unworkable.”
Major oil and gas companies such as Chevron have supported rules to curb leaks, while smaller companies have fought the rules. The Post reported that executives at some companies, including several major donors to Trump, sought to have the rules rolled back.