Trump Is Ending Climate-Warming Methane Restrictions on Oil and Gas Drilling

Trump announces rule rollback

Trump said Tuesday at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, that his administration was “terminating” Biden-era methane regulations. He said ending the rule would save consumers and energy producers $45 billion and make 210 million barrels of oil available—about 10 days of U.S. petroleum consumption.

What the Biden rule required

The rule, finalized in 2024, set limits on methane from oil and gas operations, including existing wells. It required companies to investigate and repair major releases under the EPA’s Super Emitter Program, and included requirements to address leaks at smaller wells.

Those smaller wells produce 6% of the nation’s oil and gas but account for up to half of methane emissions from oil and gas fields. The EPA delayed implementation by 18 months last year to give companies time to meet inspection requirements and other provisions.

Methane’s climate impact

Methane can leak from equipment or be burned off as waste. Environmental groups say rolling back the rule will allow companies to keep releasing gas that could otherwise be captured and used to supply energy to millions of households.

Benefits and opposition debated

Federal officials under Biden estimated the rule would prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions by 2038 and reduce other pollutants linked to health problems. By 2034, it was projected to yield $98 billion in benefits, based on estimated future costs to public health and the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

The rule was coordinated with a methane fee approved in the 2022 climate law. Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp said the rollback gives companies a “free pass” at consumers’ expense.