Pressure Builds to Apply the Same Standards to All Suppliers
From January 2027, companies importing oil and gas into the European Union will have to meet strict monitoring, reporting and verification rules tied to methane emissions from their suppliers. Now, a group of US lawmakers is urging Brussels not to weaken those requirements or carve out exemptions for American energy producers if US standards fall short.
In a letter seen by Euronews, 24 members of Congress argue that the EU’s methane regulation is a vital tool to curb gas flaring and venting. Methane, they note, is a powerful climate pollutant that traps up to 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide over the short term. The lawmakers say consistent rules for all exporters are essential to reward cleaner producers and avoid unfair trade advantages.
Concerns Over Exemptions and Trade Tensions
The signatories, which include Sheldon Whitehouse, Jared Huffman and Kathy Castor, are calling on the European Commission to work closely with US federal and state authorities, industry experts and civil society to implement the law properly, rather than issuing broad exemptions. They warn that exemptions could undermine the regulation’s credibility and environmental impact.
Their message contrasts with criticism from US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who warned during an October visit to Brussels that the methane law could disrupt trade. The debate also comes as the EU and US move closer to a major energy trade deal, under which signals suggest Europe could buy up to $750 billion worth of oil, gas and nuclear energy from the US by 2028.
Implementation Tweaks, but No Change in Ambition
The European Commission has acknowledged concerns about complexity and recently outlined options to make the rules easier to apply. These include allowing third-party certificates to verify emissions at production sites or using a digital “trace and claim” system to track fuel volumes through the supply chain.
However, Brussels insists the substance of the law remains unchanged. A Commission spokesperson said there are no plans to grant exemptions and that the focus is now on rolling out the regulation in a practical way while safeguarding energy security.
Uncertainty remains on the US side. Although the Environmental Protection Agency tightened methane rules in 2024, those measures were later delayed, creating doubts for companies exporting to Europe. Environmental groups say firms that already invest in methane monitoring and reductions stand to benefit. According to the International Energy Agency, methane is responsible for around 30% of global warming since the industrial revolution, making the stakes of the EU’s decision far-reaching.
