U.S. proposes easing rules on methane emissions
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to revoke many of its regulations covering oil-industry leaks of methane, a potent climate-changing gas.
EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement Thursday that the agency is following President Donald Trump’s directive to remove regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industries.
The government’s plan would rescind many of the requirements on oil and gas sites to monitor for methane leaks and plug them.
Methane is one of the most potent climate-changing gases. Environmental advocates say the measure signals the Trump administration waiving its legal authority to regulate methane as a way to fight climate change.
The oil and gas industry says the Obama-era regulations on methane were unlawful and unnecessary.
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