Britain is seeking to extend carbon border charges to refinery products, linking its climate policy more closely with the future of domestic fuel manufacturing. The proposal would address a competitive concern for British refineries: they face carbon costs that some overseas suppliers do not. The government hopes that narrowing this difference will support investment in cleaner operations while preserving industrial capabilities considered important to energy security.

The Treasury’s budget documents identify refineries in Pembrokeshire, Cheshire, Hampshire and the Humber as potential beneficiaries. These facilities support employment, engineering expertise and wider industrial supply chains. Their inclusion gives the proposal a regional economic dimension alongside its environmental purpose, particularly where refining anchors other commercial activity.

The European Union’s methane regulation was meant to be one of the few climate rules with reach beyond Europe’s borders. Adopted in 2024, it would have required foreign oil and gas suppliers to monitor and report methane emissions. On Thursday the European Parliament voted for a three-year delay to the import obligations, considerably longer than the executive proposed only a week earlier.

The Parliament text gives importers of crude, natural gas and coal until May 31, 2031 to show that supply contracts concluded or renewed since August 4, 2024 cover only fuel subject to monitoring, reporting and verification equivalent to EU rules. Lawmakers must now negotiate the final deadline with member state governments.

Europe’s proposed car-emissions compromise reflects a widening effort to protect established manufacturing industries while preserving a route toward cleaner transport. Negotiators from the European People’s Party, Social Democrats and Renew have agreed on an approach allowing an 87.5% emissions reduction for cars in 2035, alongside a 7.5% component linked to low-carbon steel produced in the EU.

The agreement still requires endorsement within the groups and further parliamentary and intergovernmental negotiations. It represents a significant political shift, although it has yet to change the law.