Trump Announces Rollback of Biden-Era Methane Rules for Oil and Gas Producers at Texas Rally
Photo: NBC NewsPresident Donald Trump said Tuesday evening at a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, that his administration is "terminating" Biden-era rules limiting methane emissions from oil and gas operations, saying the change would save consumers and energy producers $45 billion and unlock 210 million barrels of oil. The announcement came a week before the midterm elections. The Environmental Protection Agency, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, had previewed the changes earlier this month. The proposal would reconsider the 2024 rules, known as OOOOb/c, and would loosen standards for marginal wells, which are low-producing wells averaging 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day. A Trump EPA official said it would also rescind the Super Emitter Program, which uses third parties to detect large leaks. The official put the gains at 1.41 trillion cubic feet of natural gas as well. The 2024 rule was the first nationwide federal requirement to limit methane leaks, flaring and venting from existing facilities. Methane is the second-biggest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide and is about 80 times more potent over 20 years. The move follows high fuel prices, with diesel at a record $6.35 per gallon.
Right-leaning outlets lead with the economics. The Washington Examiner calls it a proposed rule to boost domestic production and lower fuel prices, tied to Senate candidate Ken Paxton's rally, and gives technical detail on marginal wells and OOOOb/c. The Washington Free Beacon, citing an EPA official, headlines the $45 billion savings and describes the rules as "gutted" while noting environmentalists' "super pollutant" label. Left-leaning outlets lead with Trump's words and the climate stakes. NBC News quotes Trump and Zeldin, stresses that Trump gave no further details, links the timing to voters' fuel-cost concerns and explains methane's warming power. The Guardian opens with critics' warnings, links the move to prices from the US war in Iran, and cites Freedom of Information Act records from the watchdog Fieldnotes showing industry groups worked privately against the rule. Both sides report the $45 billion and 210 million barrel figures and the fuel-price context. AP and The Hill largely track the basic facts.
How the sides differ Right sources stress savings, production gains and EPA proposal details; left sources stress methane's climate harm, critics' warnings and midterm fuel-price pressure; alternative sources mostly match the basic facts.
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NBC News and The Guardian lead with Trump's rally announcement, quote him and EPA's Zeldin, explain methane's warming power, and stress fuel-price and election pressures; The Guardian adds critics' warnings and industry lobbying records.
The Hill and AP report briefly that Trump is easing or ending Biden-era methane rules, noting low-producing wells and his claim of savings for companies and consumers.
- Washington Free BeaconTrump To Unveil Plan Curbing Oil Drilling Regulations in Action That Could Save Americans $45 Billion in Energy Costs
The Washington Examiner and Washington Free Beacon lead with the $45 billion savings and production gains, citing White House and EPA officials, and detail marginal-well and Super Emitter changes alongside fuel-price context.