EPA moves to rescind methane leak reporting requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to rescind its ‘super emitter’ program, a policy requiring oil and gas companies to investigate methane leaks identified by third-party remote sensing technology. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin characterized the rollback as a removal of ‘unnecessary burdens’ on the energy industry, estimating the move will result in $45 billion in annual regulatory compliance savings.

The program, established under the previous administration, mandated that operators respond to suspected leaks detected by aircraft, satellites, or ground-based sensors. The proposed rescission will undergo a formal rulemaking process before implementation.

Climate experts from the University of Pennsylvania have criticized the decision, describing it as a ‘devastating’ setback for climate progress. Professors Eric Orts, Scott Moore, and Michael Mann argued that the repeal signals a retreat from federal action to limit industrial contributions to climate change and could allow foreign competitors to lead in the global renewable energy sector.