US President Donald Trump has announced plans to roll back key regulations aimed at limiting methane emissions from oil and gas operations, arguing that the changes will reduce costs for energy producers and consumers.
Trump announced the move on October 27, 2026, during a rally in Lubbock, Texas, held in support of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The regulations targeted by the administration were introduced under former President Joe Biden.
Trump said the rollback would save consumers and energy producers $45 billion and help unlock additional domestic oil and natural gas supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed revising several requirements under the existing rules. The proposal is subject to a public comment process, so the changes are not yet a completed regulatory rollback. (EPA announcement)
The proposed changes include eliminating the Super Emitter Program, which allows approved third-party monitors to report major methane leaks. The administration also plans to revise requirements for smaller oil and gas wells and ease certain restrictions on the flaring of associated natural gas.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has argued that the existing rules place unnecessary burdens on energy producers and could affect energy affordability.
However, environmental advocates have criticised the proposal, warning that weaker requirements could allow more methane to escape into the atmosphere. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming.
The announcement comes as the administration faces pressure over rising fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections. The proposal highlights the ongoing debate between expanding domestic energy production, reducing regulatory costs and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
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