Trump Announces EPA Proposal to Roll Back Biden Methane Rules, Citing $45 Billion Savings

President Trump announced Tuesday evening in Lubbock, Texas, that the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing major revisions to Biden-era oil and natural gas methane regulations under the Clean Air Act. “Tonight, I’m officially terminating Biden’s expensive and unnecessary methane regulations to save consumers and energy producers $45 billion in costs, unlock vast quantities of Texas natural gas, and produce 210 million barrels of oil,” Trump told supporters.

EPA stated that the proposal is expected to save $45 billion in costs, including for families and small businesses operating marginal wells, and to unleash an estimated 210 million additional barrels of oil and 1.41 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum called the prior rules short-sighted and said the revision rolls back red tape that threatened domestic production.

The Biden EPA finalized the rules in 2024, estimating costs at the time around $18 billion while requiring operators to minimize leaking, flaring, and venting. The new proposal focuses relief on marginal wells—roughly four out of every five producing wells nationwide—and proposes rescinding the Super Emitter Program that certified third-party monitors for large leak events. It also eases certain requirements related to routine flaring of associated gas.

Trump made the announcement during a campaign stop supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in a state that leads U.S. oil and gas production. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has described the changes as addressing problems raised by producers and operators. The proposal remains subject to the normal rulemaking process.

Industry groups had sought relief from the 2024 standards; some environmental organizations have criticized the expected increase in emissions. The administration has previously delayed or declined to enforce related requirements.