Trump EPA proposes revising Biden-era methane rules for oil and gas

The Trump administration’s EPA has proposed revising Biden-era methane rules for oil and gas operations, estimating the changes would save $45 billion and enable additional domestic oil and gas production through 2050. Proposed revisions include changing standards for well sites, rescinding the Super Emitter Program, and allowing more flexibility in requirements for associated gas and pollution-control equipment. Texas oil and gas groups welcomed the proposal, saying producers have reduced methane intensity and that updated rules would address implementation challenges. Environmental Defense Fund argues the rollback would increase methane emissions and waste energy, and warns the EPA may pursue broader cuts to protections. The proposal’s projected savings are spread over decades, and it is uncertain whether the changes would lower gasoline prices, which are influenced by crude-oil markets.