EPA to weaken methane rule deadlines for oil and gas sites

By Jean Chemnick | 06/05/2025 01:32 PM EDT

The move could buy time for the agency as it considers killing the rule altogether.

A flare burns off methane and other hydrocarbons as oil pump jacks operate in Midland, Texas. David Goldman/AP Photo

EPA is preparing to let oil and gas operations miss compliance deadlines under a Biden-era methane rule as the agency weighs whether to overhaul or repeal the regulation.

The agency sent a proposal to the White House on Wednesday that would offer an “extension of deadlines” for oil and gas producers and processors under the 2023 methane requirements.

EPA offered no specifics on the proposal.

“EPA looks forward to issuing the proposal after interagency review concludes,” the agency said in an email to POLITICO’s E&E News.

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