- Israel face France in Paris football match under tight security
- Beijing's fears after Trump fills key posts with China hawks
- Man with explosives dies trying to enter Brazil's Supreme Court
- South Korea exam sees record number of re-takes after medical reforms
- Asian markets mixed as traders weigh Fed; bitcoin above $90,000
- Pumas seek historic win over 'hurt' Irish
- Advantage Martin as MotoGP reaches gripping climax in Barcelona
- Man with explosives dies trying to enter Brazil Supreme Court
- Mike Tyson, 58, back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
- Hunger in G20 host Brazil is Lula's unfinished fight
- Biden, Xi arrive in Peru ahead of face-to-face at Asia-Pacific summit
- Mysterious diamond-laden necklace fetches $4.8 mn in Geneva auction
- Lawmakers clash, protesters arrested in wake of Amsterdam violence
- Global diabetes rate has doubled in last 30 years: study
- Six Israeli troops killed, deadly strikes in Lebanon
- US envoy says Mexico's 'hugs not bullets' strategy failed
- Lyon and Chelsea stay perfect in Women's Champions League
- Another clean sheet for Onana as E. Guinea, I. Coast qualify
- From 'Little Marco' to 'Mr Secretary': Rubio shows Trump China push
- Sri Lanka president eyes parliament win in snap election
- New York drought conditions fan flames, spur water saving
- Football 'world order' is changing, says Brazil coach
- Maiden century by Varma gives India unbeatable series lead
- Buy now, pay later: Latin America pressured by Chinese online shops
- Republicans complete power takeover with House majority
- Kane disappointed by England Nations League withdrawals
- Trump victory signals golden era for crypto industry
- 'First Buddy': Musk takes unusual star role with Trump
- Workers stage walkout at US maker of Fallout video game
- England will not change 'DNA' against South Africa, says Slade
- Biden, Xi to meet in Peru on Saturday: US official
- Spurs coach Popovich suffered 'mild stroke', says NBA team
- 'Very humiliating': Bangladesh's Yunus seethes over climate cash fight
- 'Welcome back': Trump, Biden shake hands in White House
- Tech's green wave hits choppy waters
- Fernandes hopes Amorim can 'change the energy' at Man Utd
- Trump, Biden shake hands in White House, vow smooth transfer
- Gatland battling 'pain' during tough Wales rebuild
- COP29 fight for climate money 'humiliating': Bangladesh's Yunus
- McIlroy aims for glory on happy hunting ground in Dubai
- Spain evacuates thousands in fresh flood alarm
- US death row inmate stages jazz protest for release in London court
- Germany's embattled Scholz trades blows with rivals as election looms
- Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account
- 'I had to gather my strength': Ukrainians abroad sign up to fight
- 'Legend' Healy set to equal O'Driscoll record against Pumas
- Record stand propels Sri Lanka to 324-5 against New Zealand
- US consumer inflation rises in October on higher housing costs
- S.Africa football chief arrested on fraud, theft charges
- UK's The Guardian stops posting on 'toxic media platform' X
US finalizes waste methane fine on drillers, but future uncertain
US President Joe Biden's outgoing government announced on Tuesday a rule to impose fees on the oil and gas industry for waste methane emissions from drilling operations, despite doubts it will take effect under his successor Donald Trump.
The Environmental Protection Agency's announcement coincides with the COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan, where the United States' position has been weakened by the election victory of Trump, a climate change denier who has promised to withdraw from the landmark Paris Agreement once more.
"Super pollutant" methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping around 28 times as much heat as the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide over a hundred-year period.
Biden's administration made curbing methane a key priority both through domestic actions and international diplomacy, launching the Global Methane Pledge along with the EU in 2021 and engaging bilaterally with China on reduction efforts.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan hailed the rule, saying it would "improve efficiency in the oil and gas sector, support American jobs, protect clean air, and reinforce US leadership on the global stage."
It will not, however, take effect until it is published in the Federal Register -- a process that could take weeks.
Trump will be inaugurated as president in January and his EPA chief, whom he has named as former congressman Lee Zeldin, could review or rescind the measure.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) responded swiftly.
"This rule hampers our ability to meet the growing energy needs of American families and businesses and fails to advance meaningful emissions reduction," said API's Dustin Meyers, adding "we look forward to working with the incoming administration and new Congress to get this right."
Under the rule, certain high-emitting oil and gas drillers would be liable for penalties starting at $900 for every metric ton of wasteful methane emissions.
These charges would increase year-on-year until 2026, as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden's signature climate law that was narrowly passed in 2022 by a Congress controlled by his party. Trump has vowed to dismantle the law.
With Republicans likely to control Congress, repeal of the law is a possibility, though analysts predict weakening it is more likely.
Methane emissions from oil and gas drilling occur through various means, including unintentional equipment leaks, deliberate venting to relieve pressure, and flaring.
Flaring is intended to convert excess methane to carbon dioxide, but the process is often incomplete, resulting in further methane release.
S.Pimentel--PC