Trump Moves to Ease Methane Regulations for U.S. Oil Producers

Key facts

• The Trump administration plans to ease federal methane regulations for oil and gas production.
• The proposed rule aims to boost U.S. domestic energy production and lower costs.
• Small marginal wells, producing below 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day, would receive regulatory relief.
• As much as 79% of all oil and gas wells in the United States are considered marginal.
• The EPA is expected to scrap the Methane Super Emitter Program.

The Trump administration is preparing to announce a rollback of federal methane regulations for the oil and gas industry, a move intended to stimulate domestic energy production and reduce costs for producers and consumers. President Donald Trump is scheduled to reveal the proposal during a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas. The American Petroleum Institute and numerous oil and gas companies have advocated for changes to the current methane emission standards, citing excessive compliance costs. The proposed rule would specifically benefit small marginal wells, which are often economically challenged by regulatory burdens. The EPA is also anticipated to eliminate the Methane Super Emitter Program, which had been previously halted.