Trump administration expected to weaken federal methane rules for oil and gas companies
The Trump administration is expected to weaken federal rules designed to prevent methane leaks from oil and gas operations, reversing measures introduced under Joe Biden. The change could reduce costs for fossil fuel companies, but it may also increase pollution from a gas that contributes significantly to global warming and can worsen air quality.
The Biden-era rules were projected to cut methane emissions by 80 per cent over 14 years and deliver up to $98 billion in climate and health benefits, after compliance costs. The EPA says the proposed rollback would save companies $45 billion, while the earlier rules were expected to cost $18 billion to implement. The changes are expected to ease standards for marginal wells, which account for half of industry methane emissions despite producing just 6 per cent of US oil and gas, and end a programme that alerts operators to large leaks.
In short
- Trump’s EPA plans to weaken rules targeting methane leaks.
- Marginal wells produce 6% of US oil and gas but cause half of sector emissions.
- The earlier rules were projected to deliver up to $98bn in benefits.
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The case for
Supporters of weakening the rules argue that compliance can impose substantial costs, particularly on marginal wells that produce little oil and gas, and that easing requirements could preserve their economic viability and reduce burdens on the industry. They may also question whether the projected climate and health benefits justify the expense, and favour a less prescriptive approach to leak detection.
The case against
Opponents argue that strong federal standards are justified because methane leaks contribute significantly to global warming and can harm air quality, while the reported analysis projects substantial climate and health benefits even after compliance costs. They point to the disproportionate emissions from marginal wells and the leak alert programme as reasons to retain measures that can identify and reduce leaks.
Explained simply
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas released when oil and gas escape from wells, pipelines and other equipment. It contributes to global warming, and leaks can also affect local air quality. Federal rules set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require companies to find and limit these emissions.
The Biden administration introduced stricter requirements for oil and gas operators, including checks for leaks. The rules covered marginal wells, which produce relatively little oil and gas but are responsible for a substantial share of the sector’s methane emissions. They also included a programme to alert operators to large leaks.
The debate involves the EPA, oil and gas companies and communities affected by pollution. Tighter controls can cost companies money, while reducing methane can bring climate and health benefits. Changes to the rules affect how those costs and potential benefits are balanced.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Trump is making it easier for fossil fuel companies to leak methane”.