Opposing States’ Stay Bid, DOJ Defends EPA Methane Rule’s Flexibilities

The Justice Department (DOJ) is urging a federal court to deny Republican states’ push for a stay of EPA’s oil and gas methane rules, arguing the states’ federalism claims are flawed because the rule gives states significant latitude to set requirements for existing facilities and its two-year deadline to write implementation plans is reasonable. DOJ also claims states have failed to show imminent harm from the regulations -- a key element for securing a stay -- and that imposing a...