EU Parliament passes milestone legislation to cut methane emissions

This regulation represents the first EU legislation specifically targeting methane emissions, focusing on the energy sector, including the oil, fossil gas, and coal sectors, along with biomethane once it is integrated into the gas network. The law is a pivotal step in the EU's efforts to tackle methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas and air pollutant responsible for a significant portion of global warming, the EU Parliament said in a statement.

Following the Parliament's approval, the next phase involves the adoption of the law by the Council. Once this step is completed, the legislation will be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later. This legislative progress is part of the EU's commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030, potentially curbing over 0.2° C of warming by 2050.

The adoption of this law is a response to the expectations of EU citizens for an accelerated green transition, as highlighted in the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe

After the vote, co-rapporteur Jutta Paulus (Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, DE) said: “Finally, the EU is tackling the second most important greenhouse gas. Reducing methane emissions is not only climate action but also improving air quality and increasing energy sovereignty in the EU. Extending the rules to include imports will have an impact worldwide. With the new EU Methane Regulation, the EU is delivering on its climate goals and the Global Methane Pledge.”

Co-rapporteur Pascal Canfin (Renew, FR) said: “This is the first EU law aiming to reduce methane emissions. Until now, methane was a blind spot in our climate policies. Now we are not only tackling domestic methane emissions but also those from our fossil fuels imports! This is further progress in the Green Deal to respect our international commitments.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)