EPA triples methane flaring window to 72 hours for oil and gas operators

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized a rule extending the maximum time oil and gas operators can flare — burn off — methane from wells from 24 hours to 72 hours for maintenance, repairs, or safety issues. The Biden-era rule had been phasing out routine flaring at new wells. The EPA also added new exemptions allowing extended flaring beyond 72 hours when operators cite extreme weather, personnel shortages, or supply chain disruptions. The agency estimated the oil and gas industry would save approximately $208 million annually.