The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a new rule imposing a methane fee on oil and gas companies. This move comes as the Biden-Harris administration prepares to leave office, with former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin set to take over.

According to an EPA press release, the fee will be "$900 per metric ton of wasteful emissions in CY 2024, increasing to $1,200 for CY 2025, and $1,500 for CY 2026 and beyond."

Critics argue that this fee is part of the Biden-Harris administration's approach to environmental policy. They claim it penalizes American energy producers and increases costs for consumers. The rule is seen by some as benefiting special interests at the expense of American workers and families.

Lee Zeldin is expected to become the EPA administrator. He has expressed intentions to reverse many policies from the current administration. According to Daniel Turner, Executive Director of Power The Future:

"As a conservative fighter from deep blue New York, Lee Zeldin knows how to win in the toughest political terrain. There is no greater priority for the incoming administration than rolling back the maze of regulations and red tape imposed by the Biden Administration on America’s energy producers. The EPA has been a chief culprit in this misguided endeavor, and we look forward to Administrator Zeldin restoring common sense, starting by rescinding their reckless mandates on methane and electric vehicles."

The new methane fee is viewed by some as an attempt by the outgoing administration to solidify its policies before leaving office. Critics believe this rule will burden American energy producers while raising consumer costs. With Zeldin's leadership anticipated at the EPA, there are expectations for changes in energy policy.