In a significant step towards combating climate change, the Biden administration has issued a final rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the rule, which will have far-reaching effects on public health and the environment.

The rule focuses on sharply reducing methane and other harmful air pollutants generated by the oil and gas industry. By promoting the use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies, it aims to deliver significant public health benefits, including reduced hospital visits, lost school days, and even deaths. The EPA highlighted that air pollution from oil and gas operations can cause cancer, harm the nervous and respiratory systems, and contribute to birth defects.

The final rule was announced by EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi at the U.N. climate conference in the United Arab Emirates. This move comes as part of President Joe Biden's dedication to advancing his climate legacy and restoring America's role as a global leader in combatting climate change.

Oil and gas operations are identified as the largest industrial source of methane, a component more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. Methane is responsible for about one-third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, making cuts in its release a global priority to slow down climate change.

At the U.N. climate conference, the president of the summit revealed that 50 oil companies, representing nearly half of global production, have pledged to achieve near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring in their operations by 2030. This commitment reinforces the importance of reducing methane emissions in the fight against climate change.

Unlike previous EPA regulations that focused solely on new wells, the methane rule finalized by the Biden administration targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells across the nation. It also includes regulations for smaller wells, which currently have low inspection rates but account for a significant amount of methane emissions from well sites.

Additionally, the rule will phase in a requirement for energy companies to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas produced by new oil wells. By addressing methane leaks and implementing stricter standards, the Biden administration aims to ensure that the United States meets its commitment, along with over 100 nations, to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.

This new methane rule is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration, which has taken more than 100 actions to reduce methane emissions. These actions include mobilizing investments to plug orphaned wells, repairing leaky pipes, reclaiming abandoned mines, and setting strong standards to cut pollution from the oil and gas sector.

The final rule will be coordinated with a methane fee approved in the 2022 climate law, which will impose charges on energy producers exceeding a certain level of methane emissions. This marks the first time the U.S. government has introduced a fee or tax directly aimed at greenhouse gas emissions.

To support companies and local communities in meeting the EPA's standards and reducing methane emissions, the 2022 climate law includes $1.5 billion in grants and other spending. These funds will aid in improving monitoring and data collection, as well as identifying and repairing natural gas leaks.

The finalized methane rule has been commended by environmental experts and health professionals who recognize its potential to significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants and climate-warming methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. With this rule, the Biden administration, in collaboration with international partners, is taking tangible steps toward achieving its climate goals and protecting the environment for future generations.