6 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:15 UTC · updated Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:23 UTC
The Trump administration has announced plans to roll back federal methane emissions regulations targeting the oil and gas industry, including eliminating the Methane Super Emitter Program and loosening rules for marginal wells. The changes would allow more methane to be released from drilling sites and reduce requirements for detecting and repairing large leaks, with the EPA citing billions in savings for the industry and potential increases in domestic drilling. Marginal wells, defined as those producing 15 barrels or less of oil per day or 90,000 cubic feet or less of natural gas daily, account for about half of the sector's methane emissions despite their low output. The Super Emitter Program, set to begin in January 2027, would have enabled third-party monitoring of major leaks via satellite and required prompt investigations by operators.
Methane is estimated to be 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and is responsible for about 30 percent of global warming since the industrial revolution.
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