The European Parliament voted in favour of the regulation to reduce methane emissions, presented by co-rapporteurs Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA, German) and Pascal Canfin (Renew Europe, French), by a large majority (499 in favour, 73 against and 55 abstentions), as was the case when the text was adopted at the joint meeting of the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Environment (ENVI) Committees on 26 April (see EUROPE 13170/7).
“We need to regulate our methane emissions as we do with CO2 if we are to be consistent in the fight against climate change. I welcome the ambitious position just voted by the European Parliament in line with the Paris Agreement. The final negotiation with the Council will start soon”, Mr Canfin said, following the vote.
No proposed amendments to the compromise text were adopted. These proposals included exemptions for companies to detect and repair methane leaks under certain conditions and a provision allowing importers of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) to be exempt from penalties (see EUROPE 13177/6).
“Most methane emissions occur outside the EU, so it is only logical that strict rules must also apply to imports of gas, coal and oil”, said Ms Paulus.
The compromise report as adopted in parliamentary committee will now be referred back to committee for inter-institutional negotiations with the EU Council.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/6sj (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)