Oil and Gas Industry Seeks to Undermine Methane Reporting as EPA Plans Overhaul

When the Trump administration announced plans to repeal the federal government’s greenhouse gas reporting system last year, many oil and gas companies publicly urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to preserve it. However, behind closed doors, these same companies have been working to weaken one of the most significant elements of this reporting program: Subpart W, which governs methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Accurate reporting of methane emissions is crucial for understanding and mitigating climate change. The Biden administration's revision to Subpart W would force oil and gas companies to disclose much higher pollution levels, which they fear could damage their public image and investor confidence.

Behind the Scenes: Industry Pushback on Methane Reporting

In 2023, an energy analyst at a private trade group meeting expressed concerns about the revised methane rule. "This will be a major PR headache for oil and gas companies," he said. "How do we even go talk to our investors and explain that this is what’s happening? Things that historically potentially had gone unreported will now have to be reported."

The stakes are high. In 2025, an industry consultant predicted that some companies could see their reported methane emissions increase by four to ten times under the rule's new methodology. This spring, another consultant warned at a gas group conference that updated disclosure requirements would increase reported methane emissions by roughly 16 percent.

One major gas producer, EQT, has already felt the impact. In its 2025 Sustainability Report, EQT cited the revised Subpart W rule as one reason for the rise in its reported methane emissions. The company's transparency highlights the broader implications of these changes for the industry.

The pushback from the oil and gas sector is not surprising. For years, there have been concerns about the accuracy and completeness of methane reporting. Environmental groups and researchers have long argued that voluntary reporting methods often understate actual emissions. The Biden administration's efforts to strengthen Subpart W aim to address these gaps and provide a more accurate picture of the industry's environmental impact.

What Comes Next

The Trump administration’s plans to overhaul both the methane reporting rule and the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program could have far-reaching consequences. If successful, these changes could significantly undermine the transparency and accountability required to combat climate change effectively.

For public health and environmental advocates, the stakes are even higher. Methane emissions not only contribute to global warming but also pose serious health risks. Exposure to methane can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, particularly in communities near oil and gas operations. Accurate reporting is essential for protecting these vulnerable populations.

The battle over methane reporting is a microcosm of the broader struggle between industry interests and environmental protection. As the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, it will be crucial for policymakers, scientists, and the public to stay informed and engaged. The future of our climate and public health depends on it.