US Lawmakers Urge Brussels to Keep Standards Firm
Starting January 2027, all oil and gas imported into the European Union must comply with strict monitoring, reporting, and verification rules tied to methane emissions from producing countries and companies. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas up to 30 times stronger than CO₂ in the short term, is a key driver of global warming.
A group of 24 US lawmakers has urged the EU not to grant exemptions to American energy producers if domestic standards fall short. In a letter obtained by Euronews, the signatories called the EU regulation a “critical tool” to prevent wasteful venting and flaring of natural gas. They emphasized that clear, consistent rules for all exporters are essential to reduce trade barriers and reward companies investing in methane-reduction technologies.
The lawmakers—among them Sheldon Whitehouse, Scott H. Peters, Dan Goldman, Jared Huffman, Kathy Castor, and Laura Friedman—urged the European Commission to consult technical experts from the US and beyond rather than issuing broad exemptions. Their plea contrasts with comments from US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who said the law could disrupt trade during a visit to Brussels last October. The debate also intersects with an upcoming EU-US energy deal expected to total around $750 billion through 2028.
EU Offers Simplified Implementation, Not Exemptions
The European Commission recently shared guidance with member states outlining two ways to ease compliance. One allows importers to use third-party certificates verifying emissions at production sites. The other introduces a “trace and claim” system, where each fuel volume is digitally tracked from production to the final buyer.
Officials stress that these measures simplify reporting but do not change the law’s core requirements. Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told Euronews that the EU remains committed to the regulation while supporting industry with practical implementation and energy security considerations. “Our focus is now on its implementation. We are designing a pragmatic and simple process, confident it will work, and industry has engaged,” she said.
US Industry Faces Uncertainty
US energy companies face uncertainty after the Environmental Protection Agency strengthened methane rules in 2024, only to delay and suspend key reporting and mitigation requirements in 2025, with some measures now postponed until 2034. This inconsistency has worried both domestic producers and international trading partners.
Environmental groups see a growing global consensus on the need for stricter methane controls. Jonathan Banks of the Clean Air Task Force highlighted that US companies already investing in methane measurement gain a competitive edge. Strong, enforceable standards like the EU Methane Regulation offer certainty and reward those investments.
Methane, emitted during fossil fuel production and livestock digestion, is a major contributor to climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates it has driven roughly 30% of the global temperature increase since the industrial revolution.
