Scientists say they have found the world’s largest coral near the Pacific’s Solomon Islands, announcing Thursday a major discovery “pulsing with life and color.” The coral is so immense that researchers sailing the crystal waters of the Solomon archipelago initially thought they’d stumbled across a hulking shipwreck.

“Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” marine ecologist Enric Sala said.

The standalone structure, formed from a “complex network” of tiny coral polyps, has likely been growing for 300 years or more, the researchers said.

At about 111 feet wide and 104 feet long, the team said the “mega coral” was three times bigger than the previous record holder — a coral dubbed “Big Momma” in American Samoa. The massive coral is not a coral reef, structures that can be far larger but are comprised of many distinct coral colonies, they explained.

“While Big Momma looked like a huge scoop of ice cream plopped down on the reef, this newly discovered coral is as if the ice cream started to melt, spreading forever along the seafloor,” said lead scientist Molly Timmers.

It’s longer than a blue whale and thought to be “so colossal” that it could be seen from space.

The coral was discovered at the southeastern tip of the Solomon Islands, in an area known as the Three Sisters. It was spotted by a National Geographic team embarking on a scientific expedition in the region.

Hotter and more acidic oceans have drained the life from corals in many of the region’s tropical waters, a process called bleaching, including Australia’s famed Great Barrier Reef. But this latest discovery offered a small glimmer of hope, the research team said.

“While the nearby shallow reefs were degraded due to warmer seas, witnessing this large healthy coral oasis in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope,” said coral scientist Eric Brown.

The lush rainforests and pristine waters of the Solomon Islands have long been celebrated for their ecological diversity. Wildlife observations made in the area in the 1920s helped prove a key part of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

“There is so much to learn about the richness of marine life and the ocean ecosystem, but this finding opens doors of knowledge,” said top Solomon Islands official Collin Beck. “More scientific research is needed to better understand our rich biodiversity and our planet.”

The discovery was announced as representatives from around the world meet in Baku, Azerbaijan for the COP29 United Nations summit on climate change.

The Solomon Islands national climate minister, Trevor Manemahaga, told CBS News’ partner network BBC News at the summit that his nation was proud to be the home of the massive, newly discovered coral.

“We want the world to know, that this is a special place, and it needs to be protected,” he told the BBC. “We rely mostly on marine resources for economic survival, so coral is very, very important.”

Small, low-lying island nations such as the Solomons are among the most vulnerable to the increasing effects of climate change and sea-level rise.

A new scam called ClickFix is targeting users and is on the rise in the U.S. As the name suggests, it prompts you to click on a link, claiming to fix an issue, but in reality it infects your computer with malware.

I reported on this earlier, detailing how threat actors used messages impersonating errors from Google Chrome, Microsoft Word and OneDrive to infect users’ computers. 

Now, a similar type of attack is affecting Google Meet users, regardless of whether they’re using a Windows PC or a Mac. I explain how this cyberattack works and what you can do to protect yourself.

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How the Google Meet trap works

According to French cybersecurity company Sekoia, it all starts with an email containing a link to a Google Meet. The email can come from any address and may be socially engineered to look like it’s related to your organization. It could link to a Google Meet invite for a meeting, webinar, online collaboration or something similar. When you click on the link, you’ll be directed to a fake Google Meet page, which will soon display a warning claiming there’s an issue with your PC. It might say your microphone or camera isn’t working or there’s a problem with your headset.

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You can expect to see the following URLs in these fake meeting emails:

meet[.]google[.]us-join[.]com

meet[.]google[.]web-join[.]com

meet[.]googie[.]com-join[.]us

meet[.]google[.]cdm-join[.]us

This fake page will also display a pop-up offering to fix the issue, showing phrases like “Press the key combination” or “CTRL+V.” When you follow these instructions, malicious code is pasted into the Windows prompt, infecting your computer with malware. Once the code is on your computer, hackers can gain access to your cryptocurrencies, sensitive files and personal information.

Sekoia has uncovered several other malware distribution clusters beyond Google Meet. These include platforms like Zoom, PDF readers, fake video games (such as Lunacy, Calipso, Battleforge and Ragon), web3 browsers and projects like NGT Studio and messenger apps such as Nortex.

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The bigger picture

Back in July, McAfee noticed that ClickFix campaigns were ramping up, especially in the U.S. and Japan (via Bleeping Computer). Lately, two groups – Slavic Nation Empire and Scamquerteo – have been behind some of these attacks. Both are said to be offshoots of larger crypto scam gangs Marko Polo and CryptoLove.

Earlier this year, Proofpoint found that malware was spreading by pretending to be fake error messages for Google Chrome, Word and OneDrive, tricking people into downloading malicious code. They also pointed out a method called “email lure,” where hackers send fake emails pretending to be from MS Word to infect computers.

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4 ways to protect yourself from harmful software

The fake Google Meet page creates a sense of urgency, making users click on the links and unknowingly compromise their devices. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from such cyberattacks.

1. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them immediately to your bank or credit card company.

3. Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification.

4. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Hackers have come up with sneaky ways to trick you into installing malware. They use social engineering to make emails and website prompts look legit, hoping you’ll click on a link and follow their instructions. The best way to protect yourself is by avoiding unknown links and always checking the URL of the page you’re on before taking any action.

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Have you ever received an email or prompt that looked suspicious but seemed legitimate at first glance? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to coverCyberGuy.com.

Imagine an aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, even months, without refueling. This isn’t futuristic fantasy. 

Skydweller Aero is working toward turning this vision into reality with its innovative solar-powered plane. 

As the world’s largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft, Skydweller is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.

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A milestone achievement

Skydweller Aero recently achieved a significant milestone by completing a series of uncrewed autonomous flight tests. The longest of these flights lasted an impressive 22½ hours, launched from the company’s facility at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of remaining airborne for extended periods using solar energy and batteries.

AN ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT THE MILITARY HAS ITS EYES ON CAN TAKE OFF WITH ONLY 150 FEET OF RUNWAY

The Skydweller advantage

What sets Skydweller apart from its predecessors? Its foundation is built on the Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the globe. This heritage provides Skydweller with a robust design capable of carrying substantial payloads. With a wingspan of 236 feet (larger than a 747) and weighing just 5,620 pounds (about the same weight as a Ford F150), the Skydweller can carry up to 800 pounds of payload.

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Military applications and beyond

The Navy has demonstrated significant interest in Skydweller’s potential, as evidenced by recent flight tests conducted as part of a Joint Concept Technology Demonstration, which previously played a key role in the development of platforms like the Global Hawk and Predator. This initiative, overseen by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and supported by a cooperative research and development agreement with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, aims to evaluate autonomous maritime patrol aircraft. Skydweller’s ability to remain airborne for extended periods could revolutionize maritime patrol and surveillance operations.

Persistent surveillance for maritime and border security

Skydweller Aero’s uncrewed, autonomous solar-powered aircraft offers continuous surveillance capabilities, enhancing maritime border security, monitoring illegal fishing activities and preventing unauthorized operations such as trafficking and smuggling. The aircraft’s long endurance enables round-the-clock coverage, significantly bolstering national security efforts.

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Telecommunications and connectivity

By serving as a non-terrestrial communications platform, Skydweller Aero provides cost-effective, airborne telecom solutions to remote areas and underserved populations. This capability not only connects the unconnected but also promotes economic development in these regions.

Disaster response and humanitarian aid

In times of crisis, Skydweller Aero’s aircraft can rapidly respond to disasters, offering real-time aerial assessments, communication relays and tracking for relief operations. The solar-powered endurance ensures extended, consistent coverage, complementing other assets or providing solutions where alternatives are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

Environmental monitoring and research

Skydweller Aero’s ultra-long endurance and remote access capabilities make it an invaluable asset for environmental and scientific research. From climate and wildfire monitoring to geophysical surveys, the aircraft enables meaningful, long-baseline data collection across vast regions, contributing significantly to environmental protection efforts.

NEW MULTI-MISSION MILITARY WARPLANE TAKES FLIGHT

The road to commercialization

While military applications are the initial focus, Skydweller Aero has its sights set on commercial markets, too. CEO Robert Miller envisions a future where solar-powered aircraft could serve as airborne communication platforms, complementing satellite networks. Miller sees solar aircraft as a complementary capability to LEO satellite communications rather than a direct rival, with the potential for providing continuous coverage in specific regions.

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Overcoming technical challenges

Developing a solar-powered aircraft isn’t without its challenges. Many previous attempts by other companies have ended in failure. Skydweller’s success lies in its team’s expertise in aeroelasticity, ensuring the aircraft can withstand the stresses of flight. As CEO Robert Miller explains, “Fundamentally, my team has a lot more experience in aeroelasticity than all the other solar programs combined.”

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As the world’s largest unmanned solar aircraft, Skydweller Aero is revolutionizing aviation and opening up exciting new possibilities. From enhancing maritime patrols to serving as airborne communication platforms, the potential applications are vast. While challenges remain, Skydweller’s recent successful test flights demonstrate just how far solar aviation technology has advanced.

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What challenges do you foresee in the widespread implementation of solar-powered aircraft technology, and how might they be overcome? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to coverCyberGuy.com.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said that People’s Republic of China (PRC) hackers breached commercial telecommunication service providers in the U.S.

The breached entities have been warned, and the agencies are proactively alerting other potential targets of elevated cyber activity.

“The U.S. government’s continued investigation into the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting of commercial telecommunications infrastructure has revealed a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign,” the agencies said Wednesday in a joint release.

CHINESE HACKERS ATTEMPTED TO BREACH TRUMP AND HARRIS CAMPAIGNS’ CELLPHONE DATA

The agencies said that PRC-affiliated actors have compromised networks at multiple telecommunications companies to enable the theft of customer call records data as well as private communications of a “limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity.”

The joint statement said that the PRC actors also copied “certain information that was subject to U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders.”

“We expect our understanding of these compromises to grow as the investigation continues,” the agencies noted.

The agencies said that they are working to “strengthen cyber defenses,” and encouraged organizations that believe they were impacted to contact their local FBI field office or CISA.

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“The FBI and the CISA continue to render technical assistance, rapidly share information to assist other potential victims, and work to strengthen cyber defenses across the commercial communications sector,” the agencies said. “We encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI Field Office or CISA.”

The reports of continued Chinese interference in the U.S. come after hackers targeted President-elect Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaigns during the thick of the race for the White House.

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“After the FBI identified specific malicious activity targeting the sector, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims,” the FBI and CISA previously told Fox News Digital in a joint statement.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI for comment.

BERLIN: Scientists in Germany have discovered amber in Antarctica for the first time, revealing that around 90 million years ago, the continent’s climate conditions supported resin-producing forests, Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) reported.

This southernmost discovery of amber offers new insights into Cretaceous forests near the South Pole, AWI said in a press release. The amber was discovered in a sediment core retrieved from the Amundsen Sea at a depth of 946 meters, using a seabed drilling device during a 2017 expedition aboard the icebreaker Polarstern. For analysis, the source material was carefully air-dried and sliced into pieces about 1 mm in diameter to extract the amber. Potential remnants of tree bark were also identified, offering further clues about the ancient forests near the South Pole.

“The analyzed amber fragments provide direct insights into the environmental conditions that prevailed in West Antarctica 90 million years ago,” AWI marine geologist Johann P. Klages said. “It was very exciting to realize that, at some point in their history, all seven continents had climates that allowed resin-producing trees to survive.”

The research team, led by scientists from AWI and the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, has published their findings in the journal Antarctic Science, Xinhua news agency reported.

We’ve all experienced that moment of panic after sending a text message, whether it’s a typo, an accidental send to the wrong person or something you wish you could take back. 

Thankfully, if you’re an iPhone user, there’s good news. 

With the latest iOS updates, you can edit or unsend your iMessages. Let’s dive into how you can save yourself from potential embarrassment.

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How to edit a sent iMessage

• Open the Messages app and find the iMessage you want to change
• Long-press on the message
• A pop-up menu will appear; tap on Edit.
• Adjust the text as needed
• Tap the blue check mark to confirm your changes

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Important notes about editing a sent iMessage

• You have 15 minutes after sending a message to edit it.
• You can edit the same message up to five times.
• The recipient will see an “Edited” label on any modified messages, allowing them to view the original text if they choose.

How to unsend an iMessage

• Just like editing, start by opening the Messages app and finding the message.
• Long-press on the message
• In the pop-up menu, choose Undo Send
• The message will vanish from both your device and the recipient’s screen.

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HOW TO SECURELY LOCK YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM PRYING EYES

Key considerations about unsending an iMessage

• You only have two minutes after sending a message to unsend it.
• The recipient may still see a notification that you unsent a message.
• This feature only works for iMessages (blue bubbles), not SMS texts (green bubbles).

Limitations you should know

While these features are incredibly useful, they come with some limitations.

• Both you and the recipient must be using iOS 16 or later for full functionality.
• If the recipient is on an older version or using a non-Apple device, your edits or unsends may not work as intended.

HIDE AND LOCK YOUR APPS ON YOUR IPHONE WITH IOS 18

Kurt’s key takeaways

With these simple steps, you can easily correct mistakes or retract messages that you may regret sending. The ability to edit and unsend messages is a welcome addition for anyone who has ever felt that pang of regret after hitting “send.”

What other messaging features would you like to see added to iMessage or other messaging apps in the future? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

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Norwegian Orca Survey

Jørgen Ree Wiiig

Oxford Scientific Films

Oxford Scientific Films

Google

Covering your surfboard in bright lights sounds like an open invitation to great white sharks, but research released Tuesday by Australian scientists found it might actually stave off attacks.

Biologist Laura Ryan said the predator often attacked its prey from underneath, occasionally mistaking a surfer’s silhouette for the outline of a seal.

Ryan and her fellow researchers showed that seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks.

This appeared to be because the lights distorted the silhouette on the ocean’s surface, making it appear less appetizing.

“There is this longstanding fear of white sharks and part of that fear is that we don’t understand them that well,” said Ryan, from Australia’s Macquarie University.

The study, published in the journal Current Biology, was conducted in the waters of South Africa’s Mossel Bay, a popular great white feeding ground.

Seal-shaped decoys were strung with different configurations of LED lights and towed behind a boat to see which attracted the most attention.

Brighter lights were better at deterring sharks, the research found, while vertical lights were less effective than horizontal.

Macquarie University Professor Nathan Hart, one of the study’s authors, said the lights caused a “complex interaction” with the shark’s behavior.

“It’s like an invisibility cloak but with the exception that we are splitting the object, the visual silhouette, into smaller bits,” Hart said.

The study’s authors released a video showing some of the research in action.

Ryan said the results were better than expected and is now in the process of building prototypes for use on the underside of kayaks and surfboards.

Australia has some of the world’s most comprehensive shark management measures, including monitoring drones, shark nets and a tagging system that alerts authorities when a shark is near a crowded beach.

Ryan said her research could allow less invasive mitigation methods to be used.

More research was needed to see if bull and tiger sharks — which have different predatory behavior — responded to the lights in a similar way, the authors said.

There have been more than 1,200 shark incidents in Australia since 1791, of which 255 resulted in death, official data shows.

Great white sharks were responsible for 94 of those deaths.

The overall number of deadly shark attacks worldwide in 2023 remained relatively low, but it was still twice the previous year’s total, according to the latest iteration of the International Shark Attack File — a database of global shark attacks run by the University of Florida. 

The report noted that a “disproportionate” amount of people died from shark bites in Australia last year compared with other countries around the world.

Phishing emails are one of the most common tricks scammers use, but they’re usually easy to catch if you pay attention. Awkward grammar, random details and, most importantly, an unofficial email address are dead giveaways. For example, you might get an email saying your Apple ID’s been disabled, but the sender’s email won’t actually be from Apple. Now, though, scammers are finding ways to get around this.

According to the FBI, there’s been a recent rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government email accounts to send fake subpoenas and data requests to U.S.-based tech companies.

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What you need to know

The FBI has seen a spike in criminal forum posts about emergency data requests and stolen email credentials from police departments and government agencies. Cybercriminals are getting into compromised U.S. and foreign government email accounts and using them to send fake emergency data requests to U.S.-based companies, which exposes customer data for further misuse in other crimes.

In August 2024, a popular cybercriminal on an online forum advertised “high-quality .gov emails” for sale, meant for espionage, social engineering, data extortion, emergency data requests and more. The listing even included U.S. credentials, and the seller claimed they could guide buyers on making emergency data requests and even sell real stolen subpoena documents to help them pose as law enforcement.

Another cybercriminal boasted about owning government emails from over 25 countries. They claimed anyone can use these emails to send a subpoena to a tech company and get access to usernames, emails, phone numbers and other personal client info. Some con artists are even hosting a “masterclass” on how to create and submit their own emergency data requests to pull data on any social media account, charging $100 for the full rundown.

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How this phishing scam works

When law enforcement, whether federal, state or local, wants information about someone’s account at a tech company, like their email address or other account details, they typically need a warrant, subpoena or court order. When a tech company receives one of these requests from an official email address, they’re required to comply. So, if a scammer gets access to a government email, they can fake a subpoena and get information on just about anyone.

To bypass verification, scammers often send emergency data requests, claiming that someone’s life is at risk and that the data is needed urgently. Because companies don’t want to delay in case of an actual emergency, they may hand over the information, even if the request turns out to be fake. By portraying it as a life-or-death situation, scammers make it harder for companies to take time to verify the request.

For example, the FBI reported that earlier this year, a known cybercriminal posted pictures on an online forum of a fake emergency data request they’d sent to PayPal. The scammer tried to make it look legitimate by using a fraudulent mutual legal assistance treaty, claiming it was part of a local investigation into child trafficking, complete with a case number and legal code for verification. However, PayPal recognized that it wasn’t a real law enforcement request and denied it.

CYBERSCAMMERS USE AI TO MANIPULATE GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS

What can companies do to avoid falling for these phishing scams?

1) Verify all data requests: Before sharing sensitive information, companies should verify every data request, even those that look legitimate. Establish a protocol for confirming requests directly with the agency or organization that supposedly sent them.

2) Strengthen email security: Use email authentication protocols like DMARC, SPF and DKIM to block emails from unauthorized sources. Implement anti-phishing filters to detect suspicious content in messages.

3) Train employees on phishing awareness: Regular training sessions on phishing scams can help employees recognize red flags, such as urgent language, unusual requests or emails from unknown addresses. Employees should be encouraged to report suspicious emails.

4) Limit access to sensitive data: Restrict who can view or share sensitive customer data. Fewer people with access means fewer chances for accidental or intentional data leaks.

5) Implement emergency verification procedures: Have a clear verification process in place for “emergency” data requests, including steps for double-checking with higher management or legal teams before responding to any urgent request for customer information.

Is there something you need to do?

This particular phishing scam mostly targets big tech companies, so there’s not much you can do directly. However, it’s a reminder that you shouldn’t automatically trust an email, even if it comes from a .gov address. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe.

1) Double-check email addresses and links: Even if an email looks official, take a moment to check the sender’s email address and hover over any links to see where they actually lead. Be cautious if anything looks off. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA for all sensitive accounts. This extra layer of security helps protect you even if your login credentials are compromised.

3) Stay updated on phishing scams: Keep an eye on the latest phishing tactics, so you know what to look out for. Regular updates help you spot new types of scams before they affect you.

4) Verify suspicious requests: If you get an unexpected email asking for sensitive info, contact the sender directly through an official channel to confirm the request.

DON’T LET SNOOPS NEARBY LISTEN TO YOUR VOICEMAIL WITH THIS QUICK TIP

Kurt’s key takeaway

Scammers are taking phishing emails to a whole new level. I often recommend checking the email carefully when you receive anything suspicious to see if it’s legit. But now, since scammers can even access government emails, you need to be extra cautious. This phishing scam seems to target mostly big tech companies, so it’s on them to strengthen their security and verify every request thoroughly before sharing any user information. It’s also up to governments worldwide to protect their digital assets from being compromised.

What’s your stance on how governments are handling cybersecurity? Are they doing enough to protect sensitive data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Washington — Oil and natural gas companies for the first time will have to pay a federal fee if they emit dangerous methane above certain levels under a rule being made final by the Biden administration.

The Environmental Protection Agency rule follows through on a directive from Congress included in the 2022 climate law. The new fee is intended to encourage industry to adopt best practices that reduce emissions of methane – the primary component of natural gas – and thereby avoid paying.

Methane is a climate “super pollutant” that is far more potent in the short term than carbon dioxide and is responsible for about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. The oil and natural gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane emissions in the United States, and advocates say reduction of methane emissions is a crucial way to slow climate change.

The rule, set to be announced Tuesday at an international climate conference in Azerbaijan, comes hours after President-elect Donald Trump named former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to head the agency in Trump’s second term. If confirmed by the Senate, Zeldin is expected to move to reverse or loosen dozens of environmental regulations approved under President Biden as Trump seeks to establish U.S. “energy dominance″ worldwide.

Trump is likely to target the methane fee amid a flurry of expected actions he has promised to deregulate the oil and gas industry.

As outlined by the EPA, excess methane produced in 2024 could result in a fee of $900 per ton, with fees rising to $1,200 per ton in 2025 and $1,500 per ton by 2026. Industry groups are likely to challenge the rule, including any effort to impose a retroactive fee.

The rule wouldn’t become final until early next year, following publication in the Federal Register.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement that the rule will work in tandem with a new EPA rule on methane emissions imposed this year. The rule targets the U.S. oil and natural gas industry for its role in global warming as Mr. Biden seeks to secure his legacy on fighting climate change.

The fee, formally known as the Waste Emissions Charge, will encourage early deployment of available technologies to reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollutants, Regan said. The fee “is the latest in a series of actions under President Biden’s methane strategy to improve efficiency in the oil and gas sector, support American jobs, protect clean air and reinforce U.S. leadership on the global stage,” he said.

Industry groups and Republican-led states have challenged the earlier methane rule in court, but lost a bid for the Supreme Court to block the rule while the case continues before lower-level judges.

Opponents argue that the EPA overstepped its authority and set unattainable standards with the new regulations. The EPA, though, said the rules are squarely within its legal responsibilities and would protect the public.

Many large oil and gas companies already meet or exceed methane-performance levels set by Congress under the climate law, meaning they are unlikely to be forced to pay the new fee, Regan and other officials said.

Even so, the EPA estimates that the rule will result in cumulative emissions reductions of 1.2 million metric tons of methane (the equivalent of 34 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide) through 2035. That figure is similar to clean-air gains from taking nearly 8 million gas-powered cars off the road for a year, the EPA said. Cumulative climate benefits could total as much $2 billion, the agency said.

Like the earlier methane rule, the new fee faces a near-certain legal challenge from industry groups. The American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry’s largest lobbying group, called a fee proposed earlier this year a “punitive tax increase” that “undermines America’s energy advantage.”

The API said it looks forward to working with Congress to repeal the “misguided new tax on American energy.”

Environmental groups, for their part, have hailed the impending methane fee, saying oil and gas companies should be held accountable for pollution that contributes to global warming. Oil and gas companies routinely calculate that it’s cheaper to waste methane through flaring and other techniques than to make necessary upgrades to prevent leaks, they said.

The EPA said it expects that over time, fewer oil and gas companies will be charged for excess methane as they reduce emissions in compliance with the rule.