The Environmental Protection Agency took preliminary action Monday to begin rolling back Biden-era regulations that restrict methane emissions from oil and gas production operations.

The Trump administration has signaled its intention to significantly revise the methane rule, which was implemented during the previous administration. The EPA announced last year that it would revisit the regulations, with officials arguing that the current rules were constraining the oil and gas industry.

Methane emissions regulations have been a point of contention between different administrations, with environmental groups supporting stricter controls while industry representatives have argued that existing rules impose excessive operational burdens. The Biden administration had strengthened methane emission standards as part of broader climate policy initiatives.

The regulatory review process typically involves multiple steps, including public comment periods and technical assessments, before final rules can be implemented. The EPA's action Monday represents an early stage in what is expected to be a comprehensive examination of current methane emission requirements for the energy sector.

The oil and gas industry has been subject to various federal emission standards, with methane regulations being a particular focus due to the greenhouse gas's environmental impact. Any changes to current rules would need to undergo the standard federal rulemaking process.