Trump announces rollback of methane emissions rules for oil and gas

Who's involved

• Donald TrumpPresident; announced methane rule rollback
• Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General; running for Senate; event beneficiary
• Lee ZeldinEPA administrator; defended new rules
• Julia KaneResearcher at Fieldnotes; criticized new rules

The facts

• Trump announced a rollback of rules limiting methane emissions from oil and gas producers.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The announcement was made at a rally supporting Ken Paxton's Senate campaign.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Texas is the country's leading fossil fuel-producing state.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The EPA said the rollback would result in $45 billion in cost savings.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The changes propose to eliminate the Super Emitter Program allowing reports of major methane leaks.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The changes will weaken regulation of marginal wells producing 15 barrels or less of oil equivalent daily.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• The changes will relax rules on routine flaring of associated gas in oil production.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator Americans must afford to heat homes and drive to work without energy producers burdened by unnecessary regulations.^{1 2}
• Julia Kane, Fieldnotes researcher EPA is giving oil and gas corporations a toothless methane standard while they continue leaking and flaring dangerous amounts of heat-trapping gas.^{1 2}