Should the EPA loosen methane pollution rules for oil and gas wells to cut costs for producers?

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revising the 2024 methane standards for oil and gas operations; the proposal was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 29, 2026. It would end the Super Emitter Program, create separate categories and standards for well sites under one of two options EPA is weighing (by production level, marginal or non-marginal, or by resource type, conventional or unconventional), and change rules on flaring, leaks and equipment. It is a proposal only, and nothing is final. A virtual public hearing is set for Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. ET, and public comments are due Dec. 16. EPA estimates the proposal would save $45 billion and unlock about 210 million more barrels of oil and more than 1.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and says marginal wells are roughly four out of every five producing wells in the U.S. The Environmental Defense Fund says EPA's own analysis shows low-producing wells supply just 7% of the nation's oil and gas but account for 60% of upstream methane emissions.

Sources: Federal Register proposed rule (Oct 29, 2026); EPA news release (Oct 27, 2026); EPA hearing and comment page; Environmental Defense Fund statement (Oct 27, 2026); Environmental Defense Fund blog (Oct 29, 2026); Yea Or Nay Instagram poll