EPA expected to propose weaker methane rules for oil and gas operators

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce plans to weaken methane leak rules for oil and gas infrastructure, The Verge reported. The anticipated proposal would relax standards for marginal wells and end the Super Emitter Program, which notified operators of methane releases reaching 100 kilograms per hour or more. The Biden-era rules were expected to cut methane emissions by 80 percent over 14 years. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the rollbacks would save oil and gas companies $45 billion. The existing rules were estimated to deliver up to $98 billion in climate and health benefits after compliance costs, including up to $13 billion in recovered natural gas.