Pressure to Keep Standards Firm
Starting January 2027, European importers of oil and gas will be required to meet strict monitoring, reporting, and verification rules for methane emissions from the countries and companies supplying them. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas up to 30 times more damaging than carbon dioxide in the short term, is a key target for the EU’s climate policy.
A group of 24 US lawmakers has called on the European Union to uphold these regulations and avoid granting exemptions to American energy firms, especially if US domestic standards fall short on accuracy or enforcement. The lawmakers argue that consistent rules for all suppliers are essential to reducing trade barriers and rewarding companies that invest in methane-reduction technologies.
EU Offers Simplified Implementation, Not Exemptions
To help companies comply, the European Commission has proposed two simplified approaches: using third-party certificates to verify emissions at production sites, or adopting a “trace and claim” system that digitally tracks fuel volumes through every transfer until the final buyer.
Officials emphasize that these changes streamline the process but do not alter the law’s core requirements. Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told Euronews that the EU is committed to the regulation’s goals while working constructively with US partners to ensure a smooth rollout.
Ongoing Uncertainty for US Industry
Meanwhile, the US energy sector faces uncertainty. After strengthening methane rules in 2024 to align with EU standards, the Environmental Protection Agency delayed and suspended these requirements in 2025, pushing reporting obligations to 2034. This has left producers unsure of long-term compliance expectations.
Environmental groups say the EU’s enforceable standards reward companies that have already invested in methane measurement and reduction, creating a competitive advantage. Methane, released from fossil fuel operations and livestock digestion, has contributed roughly 30% of global warming since the industrial revolution, highlighting the urgency of maintaining strict controls.
