The proposed rule, which a White House official said the president will unveil, would loosen methane regulations on the oil and gas industry. The move is part of the administration's broader push to increase domestic energy production and reduce costs for consumers. No further details on the proposed changes have been released. The event is scheduled for Tuesday in Lubbock, where Trump will campaign alongside Paxton ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump to announce plan easing methane rules for oil and gas producers
Proposed rule expected at Lubbock, Texas, rally for Senate candidate Paxton
President Donald Trump is set to announce a proposed rule easing methane emission requirements for oil and gas producers, a White House official confirmed, in his latest effort to boost domestic production and lower fuel prices. The announcement is expected on Tuesday at a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, for Senate candidate Ken Paxton, one week before the midterm elections.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- The proposed rule would ease methane emission standards for oil and gas producers, potentially increasing emissions of a potent greenhouse gas.
- The announcement comes a week before the midterm elections, highlighting the administration's focus on energy policy and domestic production.
- The rule change could face legal challenges or be reversed by a future administration.
Background
Methane is a greenhouse gas more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. The oil and gas industry is a major source of methane emissions through leaks, venting, and flaring. The Trump administration has previously rolled back environmental regulations on fossil fuel production to promote energy independence and lower prices. The proposed rule would be the latest in a series of actions targeting climate and environmental rules.
What to Watch
- The specific details of the proposed rule when it is announced on Tuesday.
- Reactions from environmental groups and the oil and gas industry.
- Whether the proposal is finalized before the midterm elections or becomes a campaign issue.
Sources
- Trump is making it easier for fossil fuel companies to leak methane · The Verge
- Trump returning to Texas for a high-stakes push to keep the state in Republican hands · Boston Globe
- Trump to unveil plan to loosen methane rules for oil and gas industry · Washington Examiner
- Trump returning to Texas for a high-stakes push to keep the state in Republican hands · Philadelphia Inquirer
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedTrump is to announce a plan easing methane rules for oil and gas producers.Washington Examiner: “Trump is set to announce a proposed rule easing methane emission requirements for oil and gas producers”
- SupportedThe proposed rule is expected at a Lubbock rally for Senate candidate Ken Paxton.Washington Examiner: “Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday at a campaign rally meant to boost Senate candidate Ken Paxton”
- SupportedA White House official confirmed Trump was expected to announce the proposed rule.Washington Examiner: “Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday at a campaign rally meant to boost Senate candidate Ken Paxton just a week before the midterm elections, a White House official confirmed.”
- SupportedThe rule would ease methane emission requirements for oil and gas producers.Washington Examiner: “a proposed rule easing methane emission requirements for oil and gas producers”
- SupportedThe announcement is part of an effort to boost domestic production and lower fuel prices.Washington Examiner: “as part of his latest effort to boost domestic production and lower fuel prices.”
- SupportedThe announcement is expected on Tuesday, one week before the midterm elections.Washington Examiner: “Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday at a campaign rally meant to boost Senate candidate Ken Paxton just a week before the midterm elections”
- Partly supportedA White House official said Trump will unveil the rule.Washington Examiner: “Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule ... a White House official confirmed.”
- Partly supportedThe move is part of the administration’s broader push to increase domestic energy production and reduce costs for consumers.Washington Examiner: “as part of his latest effort to boost domestic production and lower fuel prices.”
- Not in the sourcesNo further details on the proposed changes have been released.Washington Examiner: “a proposed rule easing methane emission requirements for oil and gas producers”
- Partly supportedThe event is scheduled for Tuesday in Lubbock.Washington Examiner: “Trump is expected to announce the proposed rule in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday at a campaign rally”
- Not in the sourcesTrump will campaign alongside Paxton at the event.Washington Examiner: “at a campaign rally meant to boost Senate candidate Ken Paxton”