Fit for 55 package: Reducing methane emissions in the energy sector

On 15 December 2021, the Commission presented a proposal to regulate methane emissions reductions in the energy sector. The proposal is part of the second batch of proposals in the 'fit for 55' package, seeking to align EU climate and energy laws with the EU Climate Law's 2030 target. The proposal addresses gaps in the current legislation: those relating to methane emissions from upstream exploration and the production of oil and fossil gas, but also those from the gathering and processing of fossil gas, the transmission, distribution and underground storage of gas, and liquid gas terminals operating with fossil and/or renewable methane. In Parliament, the proposal was referred to the Committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). On 26 April 2023, they adopted their joint report, which introduced several amendments to the proposal. Parliament adopted its position for the trilogue negotiations on 9 May 2023, without changes to the joint committee report. On 15 November 2023, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on the proposal. Coreper endorsed it on 15 December 2023 and ENVI and ITRE on 11 January 2024. Parliament is expected to vote on the agreed text during its April I plenary session. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure.