The Senate voted Thursday to repeal a U.S. methane emissions fee for oil and gas producers, sending the measure to President Trump for approval.
The Senate voted to repeal a methane emissions fee, benefiting oil and gas producers but removing an incentive to cut a potent greenhouse gas. Congressional Republicans are using legislative tools to reverse Biden-era regulations.
The White House declined to comment on Trump’s stance, though he has criticized Biden’s energy policies. The U.S. energy industry faces $560 million in fines this year for methane leaks, with costs expected to decrease as companies adapt.The fee, part of Biden’s climate law, started at $900 per metric ton and will rise to $1,500 by 2026.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, has 80 times the warming power of CO₂ over 25 years, making its reduction crucial for slowing climate change.Finalized by the EPA in November, the rule faced criticism from Republicans and the oil and gas industry for burdening producers with leak fees.
The Senate voted 52-47 to repeal the rule after the House passed it Wednesday.EPA and Interior regulations on methane leaks remain intact despite the repeal.Other rollbacks include Energy Department efficiency standards for gas water heaters and an Interior rule requiring archaeological reports for offshore drilling.“This law is obscure but powerful,” said Rachel Weintraub of the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards.
