Brussels – The European Commission said on Monday it will propose a postponement of the EU’s new methane emissions regulation, which was scheduled to become law on Jan. 1, 2027. The move follows calls from a number of governments, including France and the United States, to pause or roll back the rule.
What the regulation entails
The regulation aims to cut methane leaks from the energy sector, agriculture and waste by requiring tighter monitoring, reporting and mitigation measures. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and the EU sees the rule as a key part of its climate‑change strategy.
Reason for the delay
Commission spokespersons did not specify how long the postponement would last, but EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told Bloomberg that officials are exploring a one‑year deferral for rules that apply to imported fuels. The discussion reflects concerns from some member states about the economic impact of the new standards, especially on industries that rely heavily on natural gas and other fossil fuels.
International pressure
The United States, a major trading partner of the EU, has also urged a pause, arguing that the regulation could create trade barriers and increase energy costs for American exporters. France, meanwhile, has expressed reservations about the timing and implementation details, seeking more flexibility for its domestic energy producers.
Potential implications
If the postponement is approved, the EU would push back the start date for the methane rule to at least 2028. This would give member states additional time to adapt their infrastructure and comply with reporting requirements. Critics of the delay argue that it could undermine the EU’s climate goals and give polluters a longer window to emit methane unchecked.
Commission’s response
Commission officials emphasized that the proposed deferral is intended to ensure a smooth transition and avoid unintended economic disruptions. They noted that the EU remains committed to reducing methane emissions and that the delay does not signal a retreat from its climate objectives.
Next steps
The Commission plans to present the postponement proposal to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU later this year. Lawmakers and industry groups are expected to debate the merits of the delay, weighing environmental priorities against economic concerns.
Stakeholders will be watching closely as the EU balances its climate ambitions with the practical realities of implementation across a diverse bloc of member states.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
