European Commission proposes a one-year delay to EU methane rules for importers

Importers of oil, gas and coal from outside the EU would have until May 31, 2029, instead of January 2027, to prove their suppliers monitor and report methane emissions to EU standards.

Industry and governments, including French President Emmanuel Macron, pushed for a delay during an energy crisis tied to the war with Iran. The U.S., the EU's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, also complained about the rules.

"After a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires, the Commission is failing European citizens by delaying this vital piece of climate legislation to appease fossil fuel producers and exporters."

— Jack Corscadden, Environmental Investigation Agency

What's next

The proposal still needs the approval of the European Parliament and EU governments.