EU Parliament backs delay to methane import rules to May 2031

The European Parliament voted Thursday to approve a delay to EU methane rules covering imported oil, gas and coal. Under Parliament's proposal, the compliance deadline would move to May 31, 2031 from January 1, 2027, according to ESG News.

ESG News described the vote as approving a three-year delay; the two dates it reports are about four years and five months apart.

Parliament's proposal applies to supply contracts concluded or renewed from August 4, 2024. Importers of crude oil, natural gas and coal would have until May 31, 2031 to show that those contracts cover only fuel subject to monitoring, reporting and verification measures equivalent to EU rules, lawmakers said in a statement.

A one-year delay remained the expected outcome until several weeks before the vote, ESG News reported. Lobbying by France, the Czech Republic and Italy then intensified support for a three-year postponement.

The United States had also pressed the EU over the requirements, warning in June that the methane law could disrupt fuel deliveries to Europe. ExxonMobil supported that position, according to ESG News, which reported that the United States was Europe's largest liquefied natural gas supplier.

Parliament's statement did not specify penalties, enforcement mechanisms or scope thresholds.

Following the vote, lawmakers must negotiate the final deadline with EU governments. The May 2031 date is therefore Parliament's negotiating position rather than an applied rule, and the coverage of the regime as it finally stands depends on the outcome of those talks.