The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is withdrawing its request for owners and operators in the oil and gas industry to provide information on equipment and emissions.

Under former President Barack Obama, officials had asked drillers to give the department data about methane emissions and equipment at existing oil and gas operations.

It was the administration’s push to issue a rule to crack down on methane emissions, a powerful climate pollutant.

The EPA cited a letter sent by nine state Attorneys General and the Governors of Mississippi and Kentucky, who refer to the request as “an unnecessary and onerous burden on oil and gas producers that is more harassment than a genuine search for pertinent and appropriate information”.

They hope the “burdensome Obama climate rules never see the light of day” and ask for the request to be suspended and withdrawn.

Newly-appointed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, believed to be a climate sceptic, said: “By taking this step, EPA is signalling that we take these concerns seriously and are committed to strengthening our partnership with the states.

“Today’s action will reduce burdens on businesses while we take a closer look at the need for additional information from this industry.”