The Supreme Court has allowed the Biden administration to continue enforcing a new rule aimed at curbing emissions of methane from oil and gas facilities. The rule, which is part of the administration’s efforts to tackle climate change, sets emissions standards and guidelines for new and existing oil and gas wells to reduce air pollution. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for about one-third of planet-warming emissions, and quick reductions in methane emissions are essential to slow global warming.
The rule, finalized by the EPA in December and effective since May, includes procedures for states to submit implementation plans for existing wells to reduce methane emissions. The rule has faced legal challenges from 23 states, the Arizona legislature, oil and gas companies, and industry groups, who argue that it violates the Clean Air Act. The challengers sought to halt enforcement of the rule during litigation, but both the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., and the Supreme Court rejected their requests.
The gas companies and states challenging the rule argue that it infringes on states’ authority and will negatively impact the oil and gas industry by decreasing production and forcing many wells to close. However, the Biden administration maintains that the methane-emission guidelines for state regulation are legal and compliant with the Clean Air Act. The administration argues that pausing the rule would delay significant methane-emission reductions, harming public health and exacerbating climate change.
The Supreme Court’s decision to allow enforcement of the methane rule comes after recent rulings that have limited the EPA’s efforts to regulate air and water pollution. In past cases, the court blocked the EPA’s “good neighbor” plan to curb air pollution, curbed the agency’s authority to regulate certain wetlands, and found that Congress did not grant the EPA authority to set emissions caps based on certain approaches. The court’s decision to uphold the methane rule is seen as a victory for the Biden administration’s environmental policy goals and efforts to combat climate change.
The Biden administration has emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and reducing methane emissions, highlighting the role of the oil and gas industry as a major emitter of greenhouse gases. The administration argues that the rule is necessary to achieve significant reductions in methane emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. The court’s decision to allow the rule to remain in effect underscores the importance of addressing environmental concerns and implementing regulations to protect public health and the environment.
