Trump Plans to Protect Methane-Leaking Stripper Wells. This Billionaire Donor Will Benefit.

ProPublica reports that President Trump has moved to weaken EPA methane regulations that would significantly impact oil billionaire Jeffery Hildebrand's Hilcorp company, which specializes in low-producing "stripper wells" responsible for roughly half of the oil and gas sector's methane emissions despite generating only 6% of national oil and gas output. Hildebrand became one of Trump's major campaign donors in 2024 after the Biden administration issued strict methane rules; Trump subsequently appointed a former Hilcorp lobbyist to lead EPA efforts to unravel those regulations. The article is bylined to ProPublica investigative reporter Alex Cuadros and demonstrates strong journalistic rigor through direct observations (infrared camera documentation of leaks at specific well sites), named sources and quotes (Stanford researchers, advocacy groups, Hilcorp's response), regulatory records obtained from state and federal agencies, and specific data about methane emissions, well counts, and satellite detection of pollution events. The reporting identifies a clear conflict of interest—financial incentives driving regulatory rollback—supported by documented evidence of Hilcorp's environmental violations and Trump's stated awareness of the relationship. Independent search results from E&E News corroborate that modifications to EPA methane standards came in response to industry petitions, reinforcing the article's central claim. Watch for ongoing litigation targeting Trump administration changes to methane standards (referenced in E&E reporting) and whether the full methane regulations are formally repealed or modified.