The Trump administration is set to curtail the regulation of methane emissions, which constitute nearly 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The US Environmental Protection Agency will seek to eliminate federal government requirements that the oil and gas industry check for, and repair, methane leaks. The rollback is notable for being opposed by leading oil and gas firms. Methane, the main component of natural gas, remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period of time than carbon dioxide, but is estimated to have 80 times the heat-trapping power of CO2 during its first 20 years.
The Trump administration is set to curtail the regulation of methane emissions, which constitute nearly 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The US Environmental Protection Agency will seek to eliminate federal government requirements that the oil and gas industry check for, and repair, methane leaks. The rollback is notable for being opposed by leading oil and gas firms. Methane, the main component of natural gas, remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period of time than carbon dioxide, but is estimated to have up to 80 times the heat-trapping power of CO2 during its first 20 years.