The Trump administration is set to roll back methane emissions regulations that were established during Joe Biden’s presidency. Announced at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, President Donald Trump stated that the existing regulations, aimed at reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, are costly and unnecessary. The proposed changes, according to Trump, could save energy producers and consumers $45 billion and lead to the production of an additional 210 million barrels of oil.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, is leading the charge to modify these regulations, which are currently governed by the Clean Air Act. The EPA asserts that the proposed revisions could also enable the production of around 1.41 trillion cubic feet of additional natural gas. Supporters of the rollback argue that easing regulatory burdens will encourage greater domestic oil and gas production.
However, environmental and public health organizations have raised concerns over the potential increase in pollution and adverse effects on air quality and climate change. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and oil and gas operations often release it through leaks, venting, and flaring. Additionally, these activities can emit harmful pollutants, including volatile organic compounds and hazardous substances such as benzene and formaldehyde.
The Biden-era regulations, which were introduced in 2024, aimed to curb methane emissions from existing oil and gas facilities by setting nationwide requirements, reducing leaks, and limiting routine flaring. They also established a program to identify and address major emissions events through approved monitoring technologies.
The Trump administration began reconsidering these regulations in March 2025, suggesting that certain requirements might hinder domestic energy production and compromise US energy competitiveness. Critics, however, warn that the rollback could lead to increased environmental risks and waste of valuable natural resources.
This debate underscores the ongoing conflict between expanding fossil fuel production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The final impact of the EPA’s proposed revisions will depend on the specific rules adopted and how effectively they are implemented.