EU Backs Off Methane Rules as Energy Security Fears Mount

The European Commission (EC) has informed EU governments that they should waive penalties for oil and gas companies that breach its methane emissions law for the next three years, owing to pressure from the United States government to scrap the rules.

While the decision is not binding, many member states are expected to follow the EC’s advice. The EC made the move after the U. S. and ‌Qatar, as well as oil and gas industry groups and most EU member states, voiced concerns about the strict rules and demanded change.