US pledges to 'sharply' reduce methane emissions

The Biden administration announced new regulations aimed at 'sharply' reducing methane emissions by the oil and gas industry

The Biden administration announced new regulations aimed at 'sharply' reducing methane emissions by the oil and gas industry

US President Joe Biden's administration announced new regulations during the global climate summit on Tuesday aimed at "sharply" reducing methane emissions by the oil and natural gas industry.

The announcement came as Biden attended the COP26 in Glasgow, where dozens of countries joined an American and European Union pledge to cut emissions of methane -- the most potent greenhouse gas -- by 30 percent this decade.

"The proposed rule would reduce 41 million tons of methane emissions from 2023 to 2035, the equivalent of 920 million metric tons of carbon dioxide," the EPA said in a statement.

The emission reduction requirements would apply not only to existing oil and gas sources but to those built in the future.

The EPA said it expects to issue a final rule before the end of the year.

The White House also announced that the Department of Transportation will upgrade and expand pipeline rules that will require operators to cut methane leaks.

The oil and gas industry is responsible for around 30 percent of total methane emissions in the United States.

The Biden administration announcement was welcomed by environmental groups.

"Today's actions by EPA Administrator Regan take important strides in achieving that necessary progress," McNamara said.

"Methane emissions must be curbed and curbed quick," Yakupitiyage said. "But this effort should not deviate from efforts to curb CO2 emissions."

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