US Presses EU to Ease Methane Rules, Warns of Energy Supply Risk

The US reiterated its criticism of the European Union’s rules to curb methane emissions from its oil and gas imports, saying that the supply crunch caused by Iran’s attacks on Qatari facilities means the bloc can’t afford to be too strict.

“If Europe wants to have affordable energy, it’s going to need to reduce the regulatory requirements and restrictions that it has in place,” Andrew Puzder, US ambassador to the EU, told Bloomberg TV on Monday. “It could be a very severe energy crisis if Europe doesn’t act,” especially given the recent developments in the Middle East, he added.