EPA Finalizes Extensions of Methane Emission Requirements for Oil and Gas Industry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Nov. 26 finalized its action on the July 2025 interim rule extending multiple compliance deadlines under the 2024 methane standards for new and modified oil and natural gas facilities. The measure provides additional time for operators to meet technical and reporting obligations under the Clean Air Act and is expected to reduce regulatory costs by $750 million over an 11-year period. The changes apply to hundreds of thousands of oil and gas sources covered under the New Source Performance Standards and Emissions Guidelines known as OOOOb/c.

The July 2025 interim rule provided an automatic 18-month extension for requirements tied to control devices, equipment leaks, storage vessels, process controllers, and closed vent systems. These timelines remain unchanged in the final rule. The agency also affirmed the 18-month extension for states to develop plans aimed at reducing methane emissions from existing oil and natural gas sources, along with additional time for the launch of the super emitter program. Under that program, third parties use approved remote sensing tools to notify the regulator about potential high-volume leaks.

After reviewing public comments and testimony from the associated hearing, the agency issued another extension for compliance related to net heating value continuous monitoring and the alternative sampling demonstration option for flares and enclosed combustion devices. The original deadline of Nov. 28, 2025, has been pushed by 180 days. The agency cited equipment shortages, personnel gaps, and laboratory capacity issues that commenters highlighted as significant barriers to meeting the original schedule. This extension replaces the 120-day adjustment provided in the interim rule.

To ensure clarity for operators, the agency is allowing 360 days from the effective date of the final rule for the submission of all annual OOOOb reports that were due before the new deadline. Reports that follow must be filed no later than 90 days after the close of each annual compliance period. The final rule does not alter the duration of compliance periods or other core reporting requirements.

The action follows EPA’s March 2024 finalization of the methane standards and its March 2025 move to reconsider parts of the rule. EPA noted that the extensions offer a more achievable pathway for implementation while upholding its responsibilities under the CAA.