Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Trump EPA Final Rule That Delays Methane Pollution Protections from Oil and Gas Industry - CleanTechnica

Health, environmental, and community groups have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the Trump EPA’s final rule that delays methane pollution protections from the oil and gas industry. The rule postpones the 2024 EPA methane standards, which are designed to reduce harmful methane emissions—methane being a potent climate pollutant responsible for nearly 30% of global warming—and other toxic pollutants from leaks, venting, and flaring in oil and gas operations. These standards also help prevent energy waste, with an estimated $3.5 billion worth of natural gas lost in 2023 due to unregulated emissions. Despite broad opposition from communities, environmental groups, and even some industry stakeholders, the EPA delayed these protections by 18 months without adequate public input, violating legal procedures. The lawsuit, brought by thirteen organizations including the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, NRDC, and Earthjustice, argues that the EPA’s delay ignores significant health risks and environmental