Lawmakers warn against carve-outs for American energy firms
From January 2027, companies bringing oil and gas into the European Union will be required to meet strict monitoring, reporting and verification standards tied to methane emissions from their suppliers. A group of US lawmakers is now urging the EU not to dilute those rules or exempt American energy companies if US regulations fail to meet the same level of accuracy or enforcement.
In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 members of Congress describe the EU’s methane regulation as a vital tool to curb gas flaring and venting. Methane, a powerful but short-lived greenhouse gas, can be up to 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The lawmakers argue that consistent rules for all exporters are essential to cut emissions, lower trade barriers between countries with strong environmental standards, and reward companies that invest in proven methane-reduction technologies.
EU offers flexibility, not exemptions
The European Commission has recently outlined ways to make the regulation easier to implement. In a letter to member states, it proposed two options: allowing the use of third-party certificates to verify emissions at production sites, or introducing a “trace and claim” system that assigns a digital ID to fuel volumes so they can be tracked through the supply chain.
Despite these adjustments, the Commission insists the core of the law remains intact. Importers will still be required to comply with methane monitoring and reporting rules from 2027 onward. A Commission spokesperson said there are no plans to grant exemptions, stressing that Brussels remains committed to the law’s ambition while working with industry and international partners to ensure a smooth rollout.
US policy shifts create uncertainty for exporters
The appeal from lawmakers comes as US methane policy sends mixed signals. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency strengthened methane rules to better align with EU standards. A year later, those measures were delayed, with proposals to pause reporting until 2034 and push back mitigation requirements. The shift has created uncertainty for US producers exporting to Europe.
Environmental groups say companies that already measure and manage methane emissions stand to gain. Jonathan Banks of the Clean Air Task Force said the lawmakers’ letter reflects a growing global consensus on the need to cut methane. According to the International Energy Agency, methane is responsible for about 30% of global warming since the industrial revolution, making the outcome of the EU’s policy decision critical for both climate goals and international trade.
