"U.S. Is Set to Propose Regulation to Cut Methane Emissions"

"WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is expected to propose as soon as Tuesday the first-ever federal regulation to cut emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, by the nation’s oil and natural-gas industry, officials familiar with the plan said on Monday.

The proposed rule would call for the reduction of methane emissions by 40 to 45 percent over the next decade from 2012 levels, the officials said. The proposal was widely expected, after the Environmental Protection Agency said in January that it was working on such a plan.

The new rules are part of Mr. Obama’s broad push for regulations meant to cut emissions of planet-warming gases from different sectors of the economy. This month, Mr. Obama unveiled the centerpiece of that plan, a regulation meant to cut emissions of carbon dioxide by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, a move that could transform the way the nation produces and consumes electric power."

Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times August 17, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. EPA To Propose Rules To Curb Methane Emissions From Oil And Gas Sector" (Reuters)

"New EPA Methane Rules Won't Work Without Stronger Teeth, Groups Say" (InsideClimate News)