Obama aims to cut U.S. methane emissions by nearly half

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is putting the energy industry on notice that it intends to curb methane emissions by nearly half through regulations affecting oil and gas production.

That’s according to two people familiar with the administration’s plan, who requested anonymity because the plan hasn’t been announced.

The plan aims to cut emissions up to 45 percent by 2025, compared with 2012 levels. Reductions are to come from a mix of voluntary steps by industry and regulations from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department.

This is just a preliminary step. While the administration will outline a broad blueprint this week, a concrete proposal won’t come until later.

The energy industry says the regulations are unnecessary and burdensome. Environmentalists say they’re crucial to slowing global warming.