President Trump announced plans Tuesday night to loosen federal methane rules for oil and gas operations, setting up another shift in the government’s approach to energy production and emissions.

The announcement came at a rally in Lubbock, Texas. The changes are a proposed rollback, not a final rule that has already taken effect.

What the proposal would change

According to The Hill, the administration’s plans include easing requirements for low-producing oil and gas wells and loosening restrictions on flaring, the practice of burning off excess gas during oil production.

The proposal would also eliminate the Super Emitter Program, which requires energy companies to respond to credible reports of major methane leaks. Other planned changes concern emissions monitoring, testing and standards for vent systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency had previewed the coming oil and gas proposal before the rally, describing it as an effort to reduce regulatory costs and support domestic production.

Costs and emissions at issue

The administration says the changes could save the oil and gas industry $45 billion. That figure is the administration’s estimate, not a guaranteed reduction in household energy bills.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and the rules targeted for revision were designed to limit leaks and other releases from oil and gas facilities. Loosening those requirements would reduce some compliance obligations while raising concerns about additional emissions.

The announcement does not itself establish that the changes are in force. The final regulatory text and implementation details will determine what requirements change and when.

Sources: The Hill, Associated Press and the Environmental Protection Agency.