Trump EPA Delays Methane Standards, Critics Call It “Illegal”

UPDATE: The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced a staggering delay to crucial methane pollution standards, pushing compliance deadlines for fossil fuel companies to January 2027. This decision, condemned by environmental advocates, poses a significant threat to public health and the climate.

Officials confirmed that the delay will allow companies to save an estimated $750 million over 11 years in compliance costs. However, critics argue this move prioritizes corporate profits over community health and environmental safety. “The Trump administration has once again chosen polluters over people,” said Lauren Pagel, policy director for Earthworks.

The new rule signifies that an additional 3.8 million tons of methane—more than 28 times as potent as carbon dioxide in trapping heat—could now be released into the atmosphere. Methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure have been a growing concern, with the fossil fuel industry identified as the largest industrial source of emissions in the United States.

The Biden administration had originally mandated that oil and gas firms begin reducing methane emissions this year. This abrupt reversal comes as climate experts stress the urgent need to address methane leaks, identifying them as one of the fastest ways to combat climate change.

“This delay is a blatant act of climate denial and disregard for public health,” Pagel declared. “Every day national methane rules are delayed means more methane in the air, more toxic pollution in our lungs, and more irreversible climate damage.”

The EPA claims that the revised timeline is a “more realistic” approach for companies to comply. However, critics including Grace Smith, senior attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), warn that the delay undermines existing progress to reduce pollution and protect public health. “Millions of Americans will be exposed to dangerous pollution for another year and a half, for no good reason,” Smith stated.

The impact of methane emissions extends beyond climate change; they are linked to increased ground-level ozone, which can cause serious respiratory and cardiac issues. In communities near oil and gas wells, the stakes are particularly high, with nearly 18 million people affected across the U.S.

“Children in my community and across the nation need a strong and comprehensive oil and gas methane rule as soon as possible,” said Patrice Tomcik, senior national field director for Moms Clean Air Force. EDF has noted that effective solutions exist to help operators meet the standards while minimizing waste.

As public health advocates prepare to challenge this decision legally, the urgency for action remains paramount. The Trump administration’s latest move not only jeopardizes environmental efforts but also raises questions about the future of climate policy in America.

With the EPA’s change in direction, all eyes are now on the upcoming legal battles and the potential for further delays. The health of millions hangs in the balance as the fight against methane emissions continues.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.