Trump Administration Finalizes Methane Rule That Will Loosen Restrictions on Gas Flaring, Increase Pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the EPA finalized its first reconsideration of the 2024 methane rule, an action that will increase gas flaring at oil wells and increase climate and air pollution. Finalized by the EPA in December 2023 following a robust comment period, the methane pollution standards represented a major win for climate and public health - introducing the first-ever requirements for existing equipment while strengthening standards for new sources all at a reasonable cost.

In response, Sierra Club Director of Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy Mahyar Sorour released the following statement:

"The Trump EPA's move to loosen restrictions on gas flaring at oil wells is a massive step backward for public health, the climate, and economic common sense. Allowing more flaring will drive up harmful emissions, worsening smog and soot pollution in already overburdened communities while accelerating the climate crisis. At the same time, while families across the country are struggling to afford their energy bills, EPA is making it even worse with this action.

"This Trump giveaway to Big Oil sacrifices the well-being of communities and consumers alike. It's time to break our dependence on polluting, volatile fossil fuels and instead invest in affordable, reliable, and clean renewable energy that protects people and the planet."

Antoinette Reyes, Methane Campaign Organizer with the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, released the following statement:

"New Mexico has banned flaring in the Permian Basin - because wasting gas is both an environmental failure and an economic one. The Trump EPA's rollback of federal methane standards undermines that progress by letting irresponsible operators across state lines burn and vent gas rather than capture it, even as a war-driven global energy crisis causes prices to soar abroad while our local air gets dirtier. These rules were our best tool for leveling the playing field and holding polluters accountable. Weakening these standards rewards polluters and penalizes responsible actors. Pollution doesn't stop at the state border, and neither should accountability. The polluter should pay - not New Mexico families and not our communities' health."

Cyrus Reed, Legislative and Conservation Director for Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter, released the following statement:

"Texas produces more oil and gas than any other state, and weak state regulations also have us leading in climate-disrupting methane emissions. This federal announcement to further loosen standards is exactly the wrong move; it wastes resources, increases pollution, and puts our industry on the wrong path, sacrificing communities to well-heeled lobbying interests."