European Parliament seeks to stengthen law aimed at reducing methane emissions

The European Parliament has adopted its position on a new law aimed at reducing methane emissions from the energy sector, which is the first piece of EU legislation specifically targeting this issue. The law covers direct methane emissions from the oil, fossil gas, and coal sectors, as well as biomethane once it is injected into the gas network, with MEPs also urging the inclusion of the petrochemicals sector. The Parliament has called for a binding 2030 reduction target for EU methane emissions for all relevant sectors to be proposed by the end of 2025, and for national reduction targets to be set by member states. The law also strengthens obligations to detect and repair methane leaks, and MEPs support a ban on venting and flaring methane from drainage stations by 2025 and from ventilation shafts by 2027. The Parliament is now set to negotiate with the Council on the final text of the legislation.