Calls for Equal Treatment of Energy Exporters
From January 2027, companies importing oil and gas into the European Union will be required to meet strict monitoring, reporting and verification standards tied to methane emissions from their suppliers. Ahead of that deadline, a group of US lawmakers is urging the EU not to weaken the rules or grant exemptions to American energy firms if US regulations are not properly enforced or accurate.
In a letter obtained by Euronews and signed by 24 members of Congress, the lawmakers describe the EU’s methane regulation as a vital tool to curb the wasteful flaring and venting of natural gas. Methane is a short-lived but highly potent greenhouse gas, capable of trapping up to 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide. The signatories argue that applying the same standards to all exporters is essential to encourage cleaner production and prevent unfair trade advantages.
Brussels Stands by Its Law, With Some Flexibility
The European Commission has acknowledged industry concerns about how the regulation will work in practice and has outlined options to simplify compliance. These include allowing third-party certificates to verify emissions at production sites or using a digital “trace and claim” system that tracks fuel volumes through the supply chain.
Despite these adjustments, EU officials insist the heart of the law remains unchanged. Importers will still be required to meet full monitoring, reporting and verification obligations from 2027. A Commission spokesperson said there are no plans to issue exemptions, stressing that Brussels remains committed to the law’s ambition while working with partners, including the US, to ensure smooth implementation.
US Policy Shifts Create Unease
The lawmakers’ appeal comes against a backdrop of uncertainty in the US. While the Environmental Protection Agency strengthened methane rules in 2024 to better align with EU standards, those measures were later delayed, with reporting requirements pushed back and enforcement softened. This has left US producers and international partners unsure how future exports will be treated.
Environmental groups say companies that have already invested in methane monitoring and reduction stand to gain from clear, enforceable rules. According to the International Energy Agency, methane is responsible for roughly 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the industrial revolution, underscoring why the outcome of this transatlantic debate matters well beyond trade.
