Trump's first defeat in climate policy

The Court of Appeal on Monday blocked the decision of the administration of US President Donald Trump to suspend the restrictions imposed by President Barack Obama on methane emissions from oil and natural gas production, The Hill reported.

"The Obama Directive 2016 was part of a strategy to reduce methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide," the newspaper explains.

In March, Trump signed a decree on so-called "Energy Independence" that was supposed to lead to the elimination of rules that were key elements of Obama's clean energy plan.

Among other things, the decree abolishes the notion of “social costs” of greenhouse gases. An overview of measures to reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas production was also announced.

Environmental representatives argue that Obama's rules are fundamental to protecting public health.

A spokesman for the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the agency is reviewing the decision and considering steps that can be taken in the situation.

"The court decision poses problems for the Trump administration, which is working to overturn nearly all of former President Barack Obama's major environmental decisions," predicts The Hill.