Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9970

Introduced
10/11/24  

Caption

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, HB 9970 would significantly alter the way federal agencies evaluate environmental regulations and their economic impacts. By prohibiting the incorporation of social costs of greenhouse gases into current and future regulatory frameworks, the bill could lead to a potential underestimation of environmental damages in decision-making. Proponents argue that it would provide clarity and consistency, allowing agencies to operate without the ambiguity associated with social cost estimates that can vary widely. Critics express concern that this approach could undermine efforts to assess and mitigate climate-related impacts, ultimately hampering environmental protections.

Summary

House Bill 9970, known as the Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2024, seeks to restrict federal agencies from considering the social costs of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide in their regulatory processes. This includes limitations on using such costs in cost-benefit analyses, rulemaking, and other agency actions unless specified under Office of Management and Budget guidance. The bill reflects an ongoing debate over how the social costs of greenhouse gases should be quantified and considered in regulatory assessments.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 9970 suggest a sharp divide between supporters and opponents. Supporters, primarily from conservative factions, believe the bill would streamline federal regulatory processes by eliminating what they view as unnecessary and potentially misleading economic burdens. Conversely, opponents, including environmental groups and some progressive lawmakers, fear that excluding social cost considerations could lead to more environmentally damaging policies, potentially exacerbating the climate crisis. This contention highlights the broader national debate about the balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3147

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act

US SB5385

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2024

US SB1584

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2025

US HB9912

Coastal Restoration Act of 2024

US HB8957

PROVE IT Act of 2024 Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency Act of 2024

US HB8187

Critical Material Transparency and Reporting in Advanced Clean Energy Act of 2024

US HB5744

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023

US HB9676

Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act of 2024

US HB9671

Department of Energy Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024

US HB9867

Combatting Global Deforestation Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US HB3147

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act

US HB1594

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

US SB3669

Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National Streets Act GREEN Streets Act

US SB514

MERP Clarifications Act of 2025 Methane Emissions Reduction Program Clarifications Act of 2025

US SB5306

Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2024

US SB5630

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to modify the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, and for other purposes.

US HB9498

TAME Extreme Weather Act Transformational Artificial intelligence to Modernize the Economy against Extreme Weather Act

US HB6747

Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023