Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector ("The Methane Regulation")

This regulation aims to reduce methane emissions associated with fossil fuel exploration, production, processing, and importation. The regulation introduce new rules regarding the monitoring, reporting and verification of methane emissions, as well as introducing a transparency mechanism regarding the methane emissions intensity of imports. The regulation imposes a direct ban on venting and flaring practices (with some exceptions) and imposes requirements around the detection and repair of leaks. Article 13 of the regulation also imposes a general obligation on operators to take all appropriate mitigation measures to prevent and minimise methane emissions. Article 4 of the regulation requires members states to designate a competent authority to oversee compliance with the regulation, and Article 7 requires them to establish a complaints procedure to allow third parties to request investigations into alleged breaches of the regulation.