Congress Votes to Repeal EPA’s Waste Emission Charge (WEC) Implementing Rule
Author: Gretchen Kern
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Congress, utilizing their power under the Congressional Review Act, passed a resolution of disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) rule (i.e., methane fee) on methane emissions from oil and gas producers. The measure now awaits President Trump's signature. This joint resolution is only a first step in repealing the Inflation Reduction Act’s WEC, because the law that obligates EPA to implement the WEC remains. However, Congress is working to repeal this statute in the Budget Reconciliation process.
So what does this mean for oil and gas operators? And which methane regulations are still in effect? Read on to find out.
Background on the Methane Fee
The WEC was established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to curb methane emissions by imposing fees on facilities emitting more than 25,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. The fees were set to start at $900 per metric ton of methane in 2024, escalating to $1,500 by 2026.
Implications for Oil and Gas Producers
With the repeal of the WEC rule that implemented the calculation and collection methods of the fee, oil and gas producers are no longer subject to these specific methane fees. However, existing EPA methane standards and reporting requirements remain in effect. Notably, Other Large Release Events (OLRE) in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Subpart W—defined as emission events exceeding 100 kg/hr—must still be reported to the EPA. The key change is that these reports will no longer carry a financial penalty.
Regulations That Still Apply
Despite the repeal of the WEC rule, several federal and state regulations continue to govern methane emissions:
EPA Performance Standards: The EPA enforces New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for methane emissions from new, reconstructed, and modified oil and gas sources.
State Regulations: States like California have implemented their own methane regulations, requiring measures such as flash testing and vapor collection for certain systems.
The Importance of Continuous Methane Emission Monitoring
The repeal of the WEC rule does not reduce the importance of methane monitoring. In fact, it makes continuous monitoring even more valuable because operators now have greater flexibility to proactively manage emissions without incurring financial penalties.
Continuous methane monitoring, like Qube Technologies’ solution, provide real-time data, enabling operators to:
Proactive Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR): Identifies leaks in real-time, reducing product loss and environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to existing EPA standards and state regulations.
Operational & Cost Efficiency: Detects inefficiencies that can optimize equipment and processes and reduce costs.
Given the need for operational efficiency, evolving regulations and strong environmental stewardship, continuous methane monitoring remains a smart and strategic choice for oil and gas producers.
Take control of your emissions strategy today. Contact Qube Technologies to see how our continuous methane monitoring solutions can help you stay compliant and competitive.
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