The U.S. is the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world.
But conservationists say that drilling causes methane leaks, which are a major driver of climate change.
The Bureau of Land Management has proposed a rule change that would address natural gas emissions on federal and tribal lands.
The agency says that although some leaks might be expected, they can be minimized when operators take precautions.
Conservationists say the industry burns or releases excess gas into the atmosphere and considers the loss a cost of doing business.
The practice has increased in the last decade.
