Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB184

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to the natural resources of the United States and the environment.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly modify the existing executive order process as it pertains to environmental and natural resource management. It establishes a formal procedure for the communication of executive actions, promoting greater legislative oversight. By requiring detailed notifications and reports to Congress, the bill seeks to mitigate the risk of unilateral decisions that could impact environmental policies and resource management without adequate public or legislative scrutiny.

Summary

House Bill 184 aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding executive orders that pertain to the natural resources of the United States and the environment. The bill mandates that the President must notify both Congress and the public at least 30 days prior to issuing any qualifying executive order. This notification must include the text of the executive order, the federal laws it affects, the methods for its implementation, and a list of organizations or entities consulted before its issuance. This requirement intends to ensure that stakeholders are informed and can engage in the discussion surrounding significant environmental decisions.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 184 may raise points of contention regarding the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress. Advocates argue that this legislation is essential for fostering transparency in a system where executive orders can have profound effects on public policy and environmental protection. Critics, however, may view this as an attempt to hinder the President’s ability to act swiftly in emergency situations where immediate action may be necessary to address urgent environmental concerns. Additionally, the practical implications of engaging various stakeholders before the issuance of executive orders could be debated, especially regarding potential delays in necessary actions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB182

This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to the constitutional right of law-abiding individuals in the United States to own, carry, and use firearms.

US HB180

This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to energy policy.

US HB181

This bill requires the President to provide Congress with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to abortion. Before issuing an abortion-related executive order, the President shall provide Congress with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.

US HB183

This bill requires the President to provide Congress with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to immigration policy. Before issuing an immigration-related executive order, the President shall provide Congress with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.

US HB179

This bill requires the President to provide Congress and the public with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to agriculture, food, and the livelihood of farmers, ranchers, and producers in the United States. Before issuing such an order, the President shall provide Congress and the public with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.

US HB155

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US HB224

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.

US HB121

Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2023 This bill provides that a national emergency declared by the President terminates 30 days after a declaration unless a joint resolution affirming such declaration is enacted. All existing emergency declarations expire after two years unless the President requests a renewal that receives congressional approval.

US HB1

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

US HB356

Unleashing American Energy Act This bill requires a minimum amount of oil and gas lease sales a year on certain submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and limits delays on federal oil and gas leases on such lands. Specifically, this bill requires the Department of the Interior to annually conduct a minimum of two region-wide oil and gas lease sales in each of the following regions of the OCS: (1) the Gulf of Mexico region in the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and (2) the Alaska region. In addition, the bill requires the President to obtain congressional approval before delaying federal oil and gas leases on the OCS.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.