A federal appeals court in Washington ruled Monday that the head of the Environmental Protection Agency overstepped his authority in trying to delay implementation of an Obama administration rule requiring oil and gas companies to monitor and reduce methane leaks. A coalition of six environmental groups opposed the delay in court, urging the appeals judges to block Pruitt's decision. Environmental groups contend that actual methane emissions from leaks and intentional venting at fossil fuel operations are many times greater than what is now publicly reported. Oil and gas companies say they were already working to reduce methane emissions, and that complying with the new rules would make many low-production wells unprofitable. Pruitt has repeatedly moved in recent months to block or delay environmental regulations opposed by corporate interests.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 04, 2017 02:33 UTC