Breaking: EPA Allows Routine Flaring to Continue

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new guidance that permits oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring beyond a long-set deadline, effectively delaying a key methane reduction measure.

This decision contradicts earlier pledges to curb climate-warming emissions and has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and public health advocates.

“Ending routine flaring is one of the most immediate and cost-effective steps we can take to reduce methane emissions,” said Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a senior analyst at the Clean Air Task Force. “This guidance sends the wrong signal at a time when we urgently need to accelerate, not delay, climate action.”

Background: The Flaring Problem

Routine flaring is the practice of burning off natural gas during oil extraction. It releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, along with other hazardous pollutants like volatile organic compounds and benzene.

The EPA had previously mandated that operators phase out routine flaring by a specific deadline. However, the new guidance effectively suspends that requirement, allowing flaring to continue indefinitely in many cases.

According to the International Energy Agency, methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The U.S. is one of the top emitters of methane from oil and gas operations.

What This Means

The EPA’s decision undermines U.S. commitments under the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Environmental groups warn that continued flaring will lock in years of unnecessary emissions.

Local communities near flaring sites face increased health risks, including asthma, respiratory issues, and cancer. The guidance also weakens economic incentives for capturing and using natural gas instead of wasting it.

“This is a setback for public health and climate justice,” commented Maria Rivera, policy director at Earthjustice. “Every day of continued flaring adds to the burden on frontline communities already suffering from a legacy of pollution.”

The EPA has defended its guidance, stating it provides flexibility during the transition to new monitoring and reduction technologies. However, critics argue that without firm deadlines, operators have little motivation to invest in solutions.

What’s Next?

Several states, including Colorado and New Mexico, have indicated they may pursue stricter state-level flaring rules. Congressional Democrats have also pledged to investigate the EPA’s decision and push for legislative action.

The oil and gas industry, represented by the American Petroleum Institute, praised the guidance for allowing continued operations without “unnecessary disruptions.”

Meanwhile, environmental groups are preparing legal challenges, claiming the guidance violates the Clean Air Act. The outcome could shape U.S. methane policy for years to come.

For more context, see our Background: The Flaring Problem section.