The European Commission proposed on Monday in Brussels to temporarily soften the EU Methane Regulation. Member states should not penalize violations of the methane requirements for the next three years, giving importers more time to comply with the rules.
The proposal comes in response to the ongoing near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz and warnings of impending supply shortages. The Methane Regulation aims to reduce emissions of methane, the second most harmful greenhouse gas after CO₂, and obliges companies along the entire oil, gas, and coal value chain to meet strict requirements.
The Commission stressed that suspending penalties does not mean the regulation’s obligations do not have to be implemented. The exemption does not apply to deliberate fraud or intentional violations, which member states should continue to sanction.
Source: www.faz.net
