Regulations Amending the Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) (SOR/2025-280)

Methane is the main component of natural gas, and it is included in the list of toxic substances (item No. 66) under Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA. Oil and gas facilities are the largest industrial emitters of methane in Canada. Most of the methane emissions from this sector are from upstream activities: the production and field processing of light and heavy crude oils, bitumen, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The majority of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are released as a result of emissions from either fugitive (unintentional release) or venting (intentional release) sources.

The 2025 Enhanced Methane Regulations apply to onshore oil and gas production, processing and transmission sectors. They build on Canada’s 2018 methane regulations by establishing stronger requirements to reduce methane emissions, including strengthening leak detection and repair and controlling venting. Key compliance dates come into force on January 1, 2028.

Related topics

• Pollution and waste management

Related institutions

• Environment and Climate Change Canada

Related acts

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

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Methane is the main component of natural gas, and it is included in the list of toxic substances (item No. 66) under Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA. Oil and gas facilities are the largest industrial emitters of methane in Canada. Most of the methane emissions from this sector are from upstream activities: the production and field processing of light and heavy crude oils, bitumen, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The majority of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are released as a result of emissions from either fugitive (unintentional release) or venting (intentional release) sources.

The 2025 Enhanced Methane Regulations apply to onshore oil and gas production, processing and transmission sectors. They build on Canada’s 2018 methane regulations by establishing stronger requirements to reduce methane emissions, including strengthening leak detection and repair and controlling venting. Key compliance dates come into force on January 1, 2028.

To read the information about these amending regulations, please refer to the parent regulations section of the "Legislative change" tab.

Methane is the main component of natural gas, and it is included in the list of toxic substances (item No. 66) under Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA. Oil and gas facilities are the largest industrial emitters of methane in Canada. Most of the methane emissions from this sector are from upstream activities: the production and field processing of light and heavy crude oils, bitumen, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The majority of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are released as a result of emissions from either fugitive (unintentional release) or venting (intentional release) sources.

The 2025 Enhanced Methane Regulations apply to onshore oil and gas production, processing and transmission sectors. They build on Canada’s 2018 methane regulations by establishing stronger requirements to reduce methane emissions, including strengthening leak detection and repair and controlling venting. Key compliance dates come into force on January 1, 2028.