BRUSSELS — The EU’s bureaucracy-slashing crusade is coming for rules meant to bottle up methane — a climate-warming, air-polluting gas.
The argument is one that’s become commonplace in Europe: The rules are a good idea, but will impose unnecessary, contradictory and confusing requirements on EU firms that need a helping hand.
In this instance, it’s EU fuel importers in the crosshairs. Starting in 2027, they’ll face penalties for importing fuel that doesn’t comply with the new methane emission rules. There’s fear that might disadvantage companies bringing in U.S. fuel — just as Europe seeks to buy more of it to both placate the Trump administration and quit Russian energy.
In response, there’s a mounting push to revise the rules before they fully take effect. Seven countries — mostly in Central and Eastern Europe — are now circulating a proposal to trim the monitoring and reporting requirements for companies. The fossil fuel industry is eagerly supportive.
