EPA Administrator Zeldin Delays Commonsense Methane Pollution Protections

(Washington, D.C. – July 29, 2025) – EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin today finalized a plan to delay the 2024 methane standards for the oil and gas industry – an action that would lead to more energy waste as well as climate-damaging methane emissions and smog-forming and other hazardous pollution in our air from oil and gas leaks, venting and flaring.

“The 2024 methane standards are commonsense protections that have been working to cut oil and gas pollution, provide cleaner air for millions of people, reduce the risk of floods, wildfires, heatwaves and other severe weather events fueled by climate change, and prevent the needless waste of American energy," said Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund. "Administrator Zeldin is attempting to delay safeguards that have been in place for over a year, and he’s attempting to do it without public input. EDF will challenge this unlawful delay to ensure the American people get the benefits of these protections against methane pollution.” 

As EPA recognized when it adopted the protections, proven and cost-effective solutions are available today to help oil and gas operators meet the 2024 methane standards while at the same time improving their bottom line. By deploying these solutions, operators can lower costs, safeguard public health and prevent wasted resources. EPA extensively engaged stakeholders — including considering multiple rounds of public comments — before adopting the 2024 methane protections.

Last year, the Supreme Court and D.C. Circuit Court declined to stay the deadlines for oil and gas companies to meet the standards. Both large and independent producers have gone on record in support of federal methane regulation and major oil and gas producing states including Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and New Mexico have already been implementing the standards. 

In 2023, oil and gas companies wasted $3.5 billion worth of natural gas through venting, flaring and leaks. That’s enough natural gas to meet the residential gas needs (heating and cooking) of 19 million homes – the equivalent of every home in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas.