Trump to Propose Relaxed Methane Emission Rules for Oil and Gas Companies

The Trump administration is set to announce a proposal on Tuesday to weaken federal regulations requiring oil and gas companies to limit methane leaks, according to reporting from the Washington Post and New York Times. Methane is widely characterized as a super pollutant, far more potent as a driver of climate change than carbon dioxide in the near term.

Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule during a rally in Lubbock, Texas, framing the rollback as a way to encourage domestic energy production and lower costs. Biden-era regulations had required methane to be captured rather than flared and placed limits on volatile organic compounds that can contribute to dangerous air pollution. Oil executives, including prominent Trump donors, had lobbied to roll back those requirements, arguing they were overly costly.

The announcement follows an October 7 preview by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who signaled the agency was readying a formal proposal to loosen methane controls for the oil and gas sector. The move marks a significant reversal of Biden administration environmental policy and is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups.