EU Takes Lead in Global Methane Emissions Reductions

The European Commission has reached a provisional agreement on a new EU Regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, both domestically and globally. This regulation, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to curb the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere and minimize leaks from fossil energy companies operating in the EU.

The regulation requires regular reporting of methane emissions by operators, bans routine venting and flaring by the oil and gas sectors, and limits venting from thermal coal mines from 2027. It also imposes transparency obligations on international partners, establishing a methane transparency database and requiring the Commission to establish methane performance profiles of countries and companies.

This regulation is part of the EU’s first-ever legislation to curb harmful methane emissions in the energy sector, proposed in December 2021 as part of the European Green Deal. The EU, along with the US and other countries, has committed to reducing methane emissions, launching the Global Methane Pledge at the COP26 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in 2021. The agreement now awaits formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.

To find out more details please visit : https://ec.europa.eu/