Oil and gas companies will now have two options to comply with federal methane regulations under the new rules, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2028. Energy companies that burn off excess natural gas—a process known as flaring—will either have time to make repairs that reduce methane leaks at their facilities, or can remain compliant by meeting preset “methane intensity thresholds” at their operations. (The Logic)

Talking point: Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases because it traps far more heat than carbon dioxide does. Methane regulations have long been a sticking point between Alberta’s fossil fuel sector and Ottawa, and the two governments now have until April 1 to negotiate how, specifically, the province will enforce the new rules. Under their memorandum of understanding, the federal government already provided some leeway by pushing back their methane emissions target by five years, to 2035. At the same time, Alberta has been loosening enforcement on flaring as companies have failed to meet provincial standards.