Pressure from Washington
Starting January 2027, European importers of oil and gas will be required to follow strict monitoring, reporting, and verification rules for methane emissions from producers and exporters. In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 US lawmakers urged the European Union not to grant exemptions to American energy companies if domestic methane standards fall short on accuracy or enforcement.
The lawmakers described the EU’s methane regulations as “a critical tool” to prevent the wasteful flaring or venting of natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, up to 30 times more damaging than carbon dioxide over the short term. They stressed that consistent rules for all suppliers are essential to reduce trade barriers and to reward producers who adopt available methane-reduction technologies.
EU Proposes Implementation Options
The European Commission has circulated guidance to EU member states offering two ways to simplify compliance. Companies can either rely on third-party certificates that verify emissions at production sites or use a “trace and claim” system, where each fuel volume receives a digital ID tracking it through every transaction.
However, the Commission confirmed that these options do not change the law’s requirements. Importers will still need to meet monitoring, reporting, and verification standards starting in January 2027. Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen emphasized that no exemptions are planned: “Our focus is on implementation. We are designing a pragmatic approach, taking supply security into account, and industry has engaged positively.”
Challenges for US Energy Companies
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened methane rules in 2024 to align with EU standards but delayed and suspended parts of them in 2025, creating uncertainty for exporters. Jonathan Banks from the Clean Air Task Force said the letter signals growing “transatlantic and global consensus” to cut methane emissions.
Methane, released during fossil fuel production and livestock digestion, contributes significantly to global warming. The International Energy Agency estimates it has driven around 30% of global temperature increases since the industrial revolution. Strong, enforceable regulations like the EU Methane Law provide certainty for responsible producers and reward investment in emissions reduction.
