European Parliament Votes to Approve Three-Year Delay on EU Methane Rules
Lawmakers backed a longer phase-in after pressure from governments and industry, with importers given until May 31, 2031 to meet EU standards.
- On Thursday, the European Parliament approved a three-year delay to EU methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports, extending the compliance deadline to May 31, 2031.
- The EPP pushed for this extension amid intense lobbying from the United States, France, and Italy, citing energy security concerns and high prices caused by Middle East supply disruptions.
- EPP group spokesman Christian Ehler described the Commission's initial one-year delay as "far from sufficient," arguing the move addresses supply security rather than permitting increased methane emissions.
- Lawmakers must now negotiate a final deadline decision with EU governments, while Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the vote as "strengthening Europe's energy security."
- Jutta Paulus, a Greens/EFA MEP, warned that "suspending the Methane Regulation now puts Europe's climate targets at risk," accusing the Commission of bowing to industry pressure.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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MEPs back three-year methane delay, triple what the EU Commission wanted
The European Parliament has voted to delay EU methane rules for oil and gas importers by three years, two more than the commission proposed. The vote also extends the delay to European producers and opens the door to reopening the law in 2029.
Lawmakers approve proposal by 341 votes to 225, but seek to exclude energy imports from EU-sanctioned countries from extended deadlines
THE EUROPEAN Parliament has voted to extend the methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports by three years. The new deadline for implementation is 31 May 2031, subject to negotiations with member states.
European Parliament votes to approve three-year delay on EU methane rules
The European Parliament voted on Thursday to approve a three-year delay to the EU's methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports, marking a longer-than-expected delay after pressure from governments including France and the United States.
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