EPA Deregulation and Methane Monitoring: What Operators Need to Know
Author: Gretchen Kern
Overview: A Historic Shift In Regulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a sweeping deregulatory effort, calling it the largest rollback in agency history. These changes aim to loosen methane regulations under NSPS Quad Ob/c, GHGRP Subpart W, and potentially reverse the Endangerment Finding (EF), which classifies methane as a regulated pollutant.
However, these regulatory changes face major legal and procedural hurdles. The EPA must navigate formal rulemaking processes, legal challenges, and congressional authority while operating under significant staffing cuts and budget reductions.
Despite the push for deregulation, existing EPA rules remain in effect. Operators must continue to comply with quarterly LDAR requirements and other emission regulations. With legal battles expected to unfold over several years, methane detection remains critical for risk management, asset integrity, regulatory compliance and maintaining investor confidence.
What’s Changing?
EPA Administrator Zeldin has outlined 31 deregulatory actions, but details remain scarce. Here’s what we do know:
NSPS Quad Ob and Quad Oc
Quad Ob will be reconsidered but likely not fully repealed as it also regulates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in addition to GHGs.
Quad Oc timelines may be delayed, and a full repeal remains a possibility.
GHGRP Subpart W
The deadline for submitting annual GHG reports for Reporting Year (RY) 2024 has been extended to May 30, 2025.
Endangerment Finding (EF) Challenges
EPA could withdraw the EF by challenging the science however this could be undone by a subsequent administration;
It is more likely the EPA may attempt to overturn the 2007 Massachusetts v. EPA case arguing that greenhouse gases, including methane, should not be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
A conservative Supreme Court majority increases the likelihood of success, but the legal battle will take years.
If successful, these changes could eliminate methane as a regulated pollutant, however leak detection and repair will still be required for VOCs.
The Legal Reality: Why This Will Take Time
While the administration is moving fast, regulatory rollbacks are subject to strict legal procedures:
1. Administrative Procedures Act (APA) Compliance
Any changes must go through a formal notice-and-comment process.
The EPA must justify revisions with a substantial record to defend against legal challenges
2. Judicial Review
If courts find rule changes “arbitrary and capricious,” they will be overturned.
Past deregulation attempts have faced significant legal pushback.
3. Staffing Shortages
The EPA is cutting thousands of its workforce and 65% of its budget, raising questions about how this deregulatory agenda will be timely executed.
The takeaway? These legal battles will take years, creating prolonged regulatory uncertainty.
Why Methane Monitoring Still Matters
Despite deregulation efforts, methane detection remains crucial for operators. Here’s why:
1. Current Rules Are Still in Effect
Quarterly LDAR for methane and VOCs is still required.
Qube is EPA-approved as a periodic screening alternative to OGI.
2. Legal Uncertainty Means Business Risk
Regulations may change again under future administrations.
Proactive monitoring avoids compliance whiplash.
3. Reputation & Investor Pressure
Satellite monitoring is making emissions public, increasing reputational risk.
Investors and shareholders expect emissions reductions, aligning with sustainability goals.
4. Global Compliance & Market Advantage
Establishing strong relationships for global customers and require accurate methane tracking (Europe: EU Methane Rule and OGMP 2.0; Asia: JOGMEC & the CLEAN initiative).
Staying ahead of regulations enhances global competitiveness.
Final Thoughts: Smart Operators Stay Ahead
While the EPA’s deregulation push is significant, it faces long legal battles and shifting political landscapes. Meanwhile, methane emissions monitoring remains a business best practice—protecting reputations, maintaining compliance, and improving operational efficiency.
Qube is actively engaging with policymakers, industry groups, and regulators to ensure that continuous methane monitoring remains a viable compliance tool. By staying ahead of these changes, operators can reduce risks, maximize efficiency, and maintain leadership in emissions management.
Find and fix emissions leaks faster. Contact Qube Technologies to see how our continuous methane monitoring solutions can help you stay compliant and competitive.
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