US President Donald Trump has announced plans to scrap Biden-era methane emissions regulations for oil and gas companies, claiming the move will reduce costs and increase domestic energy production.
According to The Guardian, Trump made the announcement during a rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday evening.
“Tonight, I’m officially terminating Biden’s expensive and unnecessary methane regulations to save consumers and energy producers,” Trump said.
He claimed the changes would save $45 billion and unlock an additional 210 million barrels of oil.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed revising regulations introduced in 2024 that required oil and gas companies to limit methane leaks, flaring and venting.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin praised the proposal as part of Trump’s efforts to expand American oil and gas production.
However, environmental organisations warned that weakening the rules could increase harmful emissions and threaten public health.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming. Oil and gas leaks can also release dangerous pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Darin Schroeder of the Clean Air Task Force argued that the EPA’s proposal violated the Clean Air Act.
The American Lung Association also warned that communities near oil and gas facilities could face worsening air quality.
