President Donald Trump emphasized plans to reduce fuel price burdens by promoting the rollback of methane regulations and securing Venezuelan oil during a campaign rally in Texas on October 27. This comes as the Democratic Party aims for a potential victory in Texas, a Republican stronghold, for the first time in 32 years ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
According to reports, Trump announced the proposal to eliminate methane regulations affecting oil and gas producers during his visit to Lubbock, Texas.
“Tonight, we officially repeal the costly and unnecessary methane regulations imposed by former President Joe Biden, which will save consumers and energy producers $45 billion, boost Texas's massive natural gas production, and produce 210 million barrels of oil,” Trump stated.
The methane regulations, introduced by the Biden administration, mandated repairs for gas leak equipment and inspections of oil wells. The Trump administration has argued that rolling back these regulations would reduce costs for businesses and increase energy production.
With rising fuel prices becoming a significant issue in the midterm elections, exacerbated by disruptions in international energy supply due to the war between the U.S. and Iran, Trump has proposed various measures to lower diesel prices, including expanding diesel supply, easing tax and regulatory burdens, supporting farmers, and securing foreign oil and fuel.
This marks Trump's third visit to Texas, a key oil-producing region, this month, aimed at alleviating fuel price pressures and supporting Republican candidates.
Before his Lubbock rally, Trump spoke against the backdrop of a tanker docked in the Gulf of Mexico, claiming it carried the first oil secured under an agreement made after the ousting of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling it “the greatest victory in history.” Texas has long been a major refining hub for Venezuelan oil.
Trump's visit also aligns with efforts to maintain the Republican majority in the Senate. As discussions arise about the possibility of Democrats regaining control in either the Senate or House, the Texas Senate race is closely contested, with Republican candidate Ken Paxton facing off against Democratic candidate James Talarico.
Paxton, a longtime ally of Trump, was indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015 and was impeached by the Texas House in 2023; however, the criminal case was dismissed after a plea agreement with prosecutors in 2024, and he was acquitted in the impeachment trial.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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