Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SJR12

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from entities in the oil and gas sector if their emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

Impact

If SJR12 is enacted, it would prevent the implementation of the EPA's current rule, thereby impacting the regulatory framework surrounding waste emissions from petroleum and natural gas operations. The legislation reflects a broader push among certain congressional members to limit the regulatory power of federal agencies, especially regarding environmental regulations that affect key industries. The disapproval could lead to increased emissions from these systems, as companies may not be compelled to adopt the compliance measures initially proposed by the EPA.

Summary

SJR12 is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate to disapprove a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The rule detailed procedures for facilitating compliance, including netting and exemptions relevant to the petroleum and natural gas industries. The resolution aims to nullify this rule, effectively indicating Congress's discontent with the EPA's regulation in this domain. As it proceeded through the legislative process, it was placed on the calendar for further consideration after being discharged from the committee by petition.

Sentiment

Discussion around SJR12 has shown a favorable sentiment among its sponsors, primarily Republican legislators who view the resolution as a necessary step in reducing regulatory burdens on the energy sector. In contrast, opponents of the resolution may express concerns regarding environmental protection and public health implications. This divide illustrates a fundamental tension between regulatory oversight and business interests, with advocates for disapproval often prioritizing economic growth over environmental regulations.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding SJR12 arises from its implications for environmental management in the energy industry. Advocates for the bill argue that the EPA's rule could impose undue financial burdens on companies, thereby hindering energy production and economic growth. Conversely, critics argue that disapproving the emissions rules could exacerbate environmental issues and undermine public health safeguards. The resolution thus serves as a focal point for broader debates about the role of government in regulating environmental practices in the face of industrial interests.

Congress_id

119-SJRES-12

Policy_area

Environmental Protection

Introduced_date

2025-02-04

Companion Bills

US HJR35

Related bill This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector if the emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

Previously Filed As

US HB484

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.

US HJR223

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

US SJR122

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

US HJR228

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

US SB5630

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

US HB5964

Methane Emissions Reduction Act

US SB1947

Methane Emissions Research Act of 2023

US HB4072

Methane Emissions Research Act

US SJR92

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; and Repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule".

US HB7651

Methane Emissions Mitigation Research and Development Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.