Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027 Deadline
From January 2027, companies importing oil and gas into the European Union will be required to meet strict monitoring, reporting and verification standards tied to methane emissions from producing countries and firms. With that deadline approaching, a group of US lawmakers is urging Brussels not to weaken the rules or carve out exemptions for American energy producers if US standards fall short.
In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 members of Congress argue that the EU’s methane regulation is essential to curb emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas, which they note is far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. They say consistent rules for all suppliers would help prevent wasteful gas flaring and venting, while rewarding companies that invest in proven emissions-reduction technologies.
No Blanket Exemptions Planned
The lawmakers called on the European Commission to engage in technical consultations with US federal and state authorities, industry, academics and NGOs rather than issuing broad exemptions. Their appeal contrasts with earlier criticism from US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who warned during a visit to Brussels that the methane law could disrupt transatlantic trade.
The issue is particularly sensitive as the EU and US move toward a major energy trade deal, under which Europe is expected to purchase around $250 billion worth of oil, gas and nuclear energy each year through 2028. Despite this, the Commission has signalled it does not intend to dilute the law. Officials have instead outlined ways to simplify compliance, including the use of third-party emissions certificates or a digital “trace and claim” system to track fuel through the supply chain.
Industry Caught Between Competing Standards
While the EU has held firm on its ambitions, uncertainty remains for US companies. Although the Environmental Protection Agency tightened methane rules in 2024 to better align with EU standards, those measures were delayed or suspended the following year, with reporting paused and mitigation deadlines pushed back.
Environmental groups say this divergence risks leaving US exporters exposed. Jonathan Banks of the Clean Air Task Force said the lawmakers’ letter reflects a growing international consensus on cutting methane emissions. He added that companies that have already invested in measurement and control systems stand to benefit from clear, enforceable rules like those in the EU.
Methane, released mainly through fossil fuel production and agriculture, is responsible for roughly 30% of global warming since the industrial revolution, according to the International Energy Agency.
