The Trump administration has announced that it will not lift the federal restrictions on mining, drilling and mining operations.
The decision comes as mining companies have been seeking to break away from federal oversight of their operations.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also said that it is in no hurry to lift the limits on drilling in federal waters.
President Trump has been one of the biggest supporters of fracking, a controversial technique that involves pumping thousands of gallons of water underground, often at high pressure, to release natural gas trapped in shale rock.
But the EPA has been working on new regulations for more than a decade, with a focus on methane leaks.
Under the new rules, companies that have drilled at least 10 percent of their wells in the U.S. in the past three years will have to submit plans to monitor methane emissions for 10 years.
Trump said in a statement that the new regulations will save Americans thousands of dollars and will help to protect the environment.
“This is an example of how we will protect our environment while keeping our economy going,” he said.
While the president’s announcement is good news for fracking companies, environmental groups are concerned that it may not go far enough.
In a statement, the Sierra Club said it will continue to call for the president to lift environmental protections for all American citizens, regardless of who is president.
“The Trump administration should immediately immediately repeal the ban on hydraulic fracturing, and instead work to protect public health, the environment, and our fragile drinking water sources,” said Sarah Gahler, executive director of the Sierra. Read more:
