Methane Emissions – Environmental and Energy Law Program

Regulatory Tracker

Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

EPA proposed rescinding its 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to air pollution that endangers human health or welfare, which is the basis for EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from US cars, power plants, and oil and gas facilities.

December 8, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

EPA VOC and Methane Standards for Oil and Gas Facilities

The Biden EPA finalized three rules regulating methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. One of the rules, the Waste Emission Charge, was repealed using the Congressional Review Act. In Sept. 2025, EPA proposed to delay the GHG reporting rules until 2034. In Nov. 2025, EPA finalized the deadline exemptions for certain provisions regulating methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas sources.

December 4, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

BLM Methane Waste Prevention Rule

In 2024, BLM released a final rule to reduce the waste of natural gas from oil and gas operations on federal and Tribal land. In Nov. 2025, BLM announced it will delay enforcement of portions of the rule that had been scheduled to take effect Dec. 2025. Other portions of the rule remain in effect and BLM is considering revisions.

November 17, 2025

Legal Analysis

EPA Proposes to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting

A summary of EPA’s proposal to eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and a look at the potential impacts to federal, state, and industry efforts.

September 30, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Air Pollution Emission Standards for Methane and Other Pollutants

MSW landfills are currently subject to EPA’s 2016 New Source Performance Standards and Environmental Guidelines. In Sept. 2025, EPA proposed to delay the GHG reporting rules until 2034.

September 16, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

The Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide)

President Trump disbanded the interagency working group on the social cost of greenhouse gases, withdrew the working group’s guidance documents, and ordered agencies to use emissions estimates from the 2003 version of OMB’s Circular A-4. He also directed EPA to review how and whether the social cost of carbon should be used.

July 29, 2025

Quick Takes

Understanding the Waste Emissions Charge for Methane: What’s Changed and What’s Next?

Congress recently voted to eliminate the WEC. We take a quick look at potential implications.

March 5, 2025

Legal Analysis

Oil and Gas Well Plugging in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act of 1984 requires well owners and operators to plug their wells prior to closure and within one year of ending production. We look at requirements, regulatory tools, funding, and more regarding methane emissions from unplugged wells.

February 10, 2025

Will Trump Mend or End Federal Methane Rules?

Carrie Jenks co-authors timely analysis of the Trump Administration’s options for methane policy.

January 30, 2025