Trump Administration to Roll Back Methane Restrictions

The Primary: The Environmental Protection Agency announced that they will ease Obama-era regulations on methane emissions.

• Who? What? Why?: The regulations primarily affect the oil and gas industries which contribute a significant amount of greenhouse gases, but the Trump administration says the old rules would cause minimal change. However, climate advocates argue since these industries are responsibly for a sizable portion of greenhouse gases, relaxing these laws speed up climate change significantly.

• The Baseline: According to the New York Times, the Trump administration has rolled back 84 environmental regulations since entering office. From the administration’s perspective, they are championing industry over cumbersome laws.

• Go Deeper: Days later, the Trump administration nixes Bush-era rules on energy efficient bulbs scheduled to go into effect next year.