Trump Terminates Biden Methane Rule in Texas Rally, Citing $45B Savings

Key points

• Trump announced the termination of the Biden-era methane rule at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
• The EPA estimates the rollback will save $45 billion in costs and produce 210 million additional barrels of oil and 1.41 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
• The rule, originally announced in 2023 and finalized in 2024, required companies to fix major methane leaks and regulated existing wells, not just new ones.
• EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin previously signaled the end of the 'Super Emitter Program' and looser standards for small wells, framing the rule as a 'war on oil.'
• Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp criticized the move, stating the EPA should be fighting waste rather than making it easier for companies to pollute.

Background

This rollback is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle climate policies enacted under the Biden administration, including revoking scientific findings on greenhouse gases and lowering vehicle fuel economy standards. The move comes amid high fuel prices driven by the U.S. war with Iran and follows a G7 agreement in October 2026 to release 100 million barrels of fuel to stabilize markets. The Biden rule was designed to prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions by 2038 and was coordinated with a methane fee that Congress repealed after Trump took office in 2025.

How outlets are covering it

Fox Business and AP News emphasize the economic benefits, citing the $45 billion in savings and 210 million barrels of oil unlocked, while framing the move as a response to high fuel prices. The Guardian highlights the political context, noting the rally’s timing ahead of midterms and Trump’s attacks on Democratic opponent James Talarico. Politico focuses on the legal history, noting that Ken Paxton was the first to sue over the rule in 2024. Environmental groups, cited by AP and Fox Business, argue the rollback will increase pollution and harm public health, contrasting with the administration’s claims of cost savings. The sources agree on the core facts of the rollback but differ in emphasis: the administration focuses on economic and energy production gains, while critics focus on environmental and public health consequences.

Why it matters

The rollback of the methane rule is a significant shift in U.S. environmental policy, potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions and affecting global climate efforts. It also has economic implications, as it aims to reduce costs for energy producers and consumers, though critics argue it will lead to higher pollution and health costs. The move is politically significant, as it is timed to support a Republican Senate candidate in a tight Texas race, highlighting the intersection of energy policy and midterm elections.

What to watch

The EPA is expected to finalize the new rule, which will replace the Biden-era methane regulations. The move may face legal challenges from environmental groups and Democratic states. The impact on oil and gas production and methane emissions will be monitored in the coming months, with potential implications for global climate goals and domestic energy prices.