If enacted, HB1023 will directly affect the legal framework governing greenhouse gas emissions and associated funding mechanisms. The repeal of sections relating to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund would rescind any unobligated funds intended for efforts in greenhouse gas reduction. This may lead to reduced federal financial support for environmental initiatives, thereby impacting efforts to combat climate change and potentially affecting states that rely on such funding to meet their environmental goals.
Summary
House Bill 1023, titled the 'Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act', proposes the repeal of specific sections of the Clean Air Act that pertain to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The primary goal of this act is to eliminate what supporters view as unnecessary regulatory burdens on industries, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and natural gas taxation. By doing so, the bill aims to support economic activities that may have been constrained by previous environmental regulations.
Sentiment
The sentiment towards HB1023 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards reducing excessive governmental oversight that hampers economic growth, claiming it will help lower costs for businesses and consumers. Conversely, opponents express significant concern regarding the implications of repealing environmental protections, warning that it could exacerbate problems related to climate change and public health by reducing incentives to limit harmful emissions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include the debate over balancing economic interests with environmental protections. Critics of HB1023 argue that the repeal could undermine decades of work aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate impacts. They fear that eliminating the greenhouse gas reduction fund will hinder progress towards environmental goals and signal a shift away from prioritizing sustainability in favor of short-term economic gains.
Related
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 SB947
Related
Lower Energy Costs Act Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act
US HB2811
Related
Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023
US HR1085
Related
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1023) to repeal section 134 of the Clean Air Act, relating to the greenhouse gas reduction fund; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1121) to prohibit a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6009) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw the proposed rule relating to fluid mineral leases and leasing process, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 86) expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 987) denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R 7023) to amend section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to codify certain regulatory provisions relating to nationwide permits for dredged or fill material, and for other purposes.
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.
Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act This bill eliminates a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides incentives for petroleum and natural gas systems to reduce their emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases. It also repeals a charge on methane emissions from specific types of facilities that are required to report their greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Program.