Obama proposing to cut methane emissions from oil, gas production by nearly half

The Obama administration is proposing to cut methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas production by nearly half over the next decade in an unprecedented step to curb climate change.

Individuals familiar with the proposal say the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday will set a target to cut methane from oil and gas drilling by 40 to 45 percent by 2025, compared to 2012 levels. That's the same target the administration unveiled in its preliminary blueprint in January.

The individuals weren't authorized to discuss the proposal before its public release and requested anonymity.

The administration is expected to issue the first U.S. regulations cutting emissions from new natural gas wells.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is blamed for contributing to climate change.