# EPA Proposes Methane Rule Rollback

On October 9, 2026, Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet criticized an EPA proposal to weaken federal methane monitoring and repair requirements for oil and gas facilities, including smaller and older wells. The signals provide no proposal details, solicitation, or contract award, so the procurement impact is prospective: changes to the rules could affect demand for methane monitoring and emissions-control services, while existing federal funding supports orphan-well work and monitoring networks.

- The signals identify **$4.7 billion** for the federal orphan-well program and **$162.3 million** for a monitoring-network initiative. These are funding programs, not specific contract awards or open solicitations.
- Companies providing methane measurement, monitoring, emissions control, and orphan-well plugging services can assess how potential rule changes may affect requirements and the timing or scope of related work.
- The proposal has not been detailed in the signals. Contractors should distinguish existing program implementation from any future changes to EPA requirements; no compliance deadline or procurement schedule is provided.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Environment
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Senate

### Key Quotes
> As governor, we brought the energy industry and environmentalists together to monitor methane leaks, cut pollution, and protect our clean air.
> — John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator

> Colorado is a proud leader in state methane pollution limits, and I will continue working to defend these valuable protections nationwide.
> — Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Hickenlooper Rebukes EPA’s Methane Rules Rollback | Senator John Hickenlooper](https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-rebukes-epas-methane-rules-rollback/) - Hickenlooper Senate
- [Bennet Statement on Proposal to Weaken Key EPA Methane Rules for Oil and Gas - U.S. Senator Michael Bennet](https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/10/08/bennet-statement-on-proposal-to-weaken-key-epa-methane-rules-for-oil-and-gas/) - Bennet Senate