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EPA Finalizes 18-Month Delay to Biden-Era Methane Rule, Sparking Pushback

11:38 AM, 11/27/2025

The administration finalized an 18-month extension of compliance deadlines for Biden-era methane rules affecting the oil and gas industry, delaying required leak-detection technologies and state planning timelines. Methane is about 28 times more potent than CO2 over 100 years, prompting concerns from environmental groups that the postponement will increase emissions and health risks. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the extension protects U.S. energy production, while advocates warn of greater pollution. The rule will remain under broader regulatory review.

The administration announced a final rule on Wednesday that formally extends compliance deadlines for Biden-era methane regulations covering the oil and gas sector by 18 months. The move locks in an earlier interim postponement and affects both technology requirements for reducing leaks and timelines for states to submit plans to curb emissions from existing operations.

What the change does

The delay suspends deadlines that would have required companies to install specific leak-detection and control technologies and postpones the deadlines states must meet when submitting plans to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas facilities. The final rule codifies the earlier interim extension and gives regulated entities additional time to comply.

Why it matters

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas: over a 100-year period it is roughly 28 times more effective at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Critics say postponing these requirements will allow more methane to be released into the atmosphere, increasing near-term warming and posing local health and environmental risks.

Reactions

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the delay as a step to protect U.S. energy production and economic activity. In a written statement, he said:

“The previous administration used oil and gas standards as a weapon to shut down development and manufacturing in the United States. By finalizing compliance extensions, EPA is ensuring unrealistic regulations do not prevent America from unleashing energy dominance.”

Environmental advocates sharply disagreed, warning the delay will result in more pollution and health impacts. Grace Smith, a senior attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund, said in a statement:

“The methane standards are already working to reduce pollution, protect people’s health, and prevent the needless waste of American energy. The rule released today means millions of Americans will be exposed to dangerous pollution for another year and a half, for no good reason.”

What’s next

The action comes as the administration is reviewing the regulation more broadly; the rule had earlier been placed on a list of regulations targeted for further review. The final 18-month extension gives regulators, states, and industry additional time while that process continues.

Stakeholders on all sides are likely to monitor emissions data and any additional regulatory proposals closely as the review proceeds.

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