U.S. proposes to cut methane from oil, gas by nearly half

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration proposed cutting methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas production by nearly half over the next decade in an unprecedented step to curb climate change.

To meet the goal, the administration issued the first U.S. regulations cutting emissions from new natural gas wells, along with updated standards for drilling to reduce leakage from wells on public lands.

“Today, through our cost-effective proposed standards, we are underscoring our commitment to reducing the pollution fueling climate change and protecting public health while supporting responsible energy development, transparency and accountability,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said.

Obama also has proposed regulations targeting carbon pollution from airplanes and set new standards to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide pollution from trucks and vans.