EPA Moves Again to Roll Back Methane Emissions Limits

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Environmental Protection Agency today took the next step in its march to roll back key safeguards designed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry – a move that could result in an additional 5 million metric tons of methane pollution released into the atmosphere each year.

EPA asked the Office of Management and Budget for expedited review of a final rule package that, if similar to the agency’s proposal, would totally eliminate federal regulation of heat-trapping methane emissions from oil and gas well sites nationwide and, additionally, remove standards for all air pollution from oil and gas transmission and storage facilities. If rush review is accepted, the EPA has indicated the rollbacks will be final by the end of July.

“Since 2016, federal methane rules have been helping protect Americans from climate-damaging methane emissions and dangerous pollutants that harm our health. Companies including Shell, BP and ExxonMobil supported keeping and even strengthening these rules. Instead, the EPA has chosen a path that will put public health and the environment at risk and will only weaken the global competitiveness of U.S.-based companies.”

• Matt Watson, Vice President, Energy