Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1131

Introduced
2/21/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Refer
2/21/23  

Caption

To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize the use of flexible air permitting with respect to certain critical energy resource facilities, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, HB 1131 would significantly influence the regulatory landscape concerning how air quality is managed for energy facilities. It would amend existing EPA regulations to accommodate these flexible permits, thereby potentially streamlining processes for critical energy resource facilities. This change is expected to encourage more responsive operations to market demands and facilitate enhanced energy production capabilities in critical sectors.

Summary

House Bill 1131 mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to authorize flexible air permitting for certain critical energy resource facilities. These permits aim to allow operators of these facilities to have more adaptable terms regarding their air quality regulations. By authorizing such flexibility, the bill intends to enhance the operational efficiency of critical energy resources essential to the U.S. energy sector and its supply chains, which have been identified as vulnerable to disruption.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1131 appears to be mixed, as proponents argue that the bill will modernize energy facility regulations and support energy independence by allowing facilities to operate more freely under a flexible framework. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the environmental implications of relaxed permitting standards, fearing that increased operational flexibility could lead to greater emissions and adverse environmental impacts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill stem from the potential trade-off between operational flexibility for energy facilities and environmental protection. Critics may argue that the move towards flexible air permitting could undermine regulatory safeguards intended to maintain air quality and protect public health. The debate will likely center on finding a balance between facilitating energy resource operations and preserving environmental integrity.

Companion Bills

US HB1

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

Previously Filed As

US HB1140

To authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive application of certain requirements with respect to processing and refining a critical energy resource at a critical energy resource facility, and for other purposes.

US HB1070

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide the owner or operator of a critical energy resource facility an interim permit under subtitle C that is subject to final approval by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.

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 HB1335

TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act

US HB3958

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish guidance and implementation procedures for unmanned aircraft systems with respect to environmental reviews, and for other purposes.

US HB2487

To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consider nuclear power to be a green source of energy, and for other purposes.

US SB1456

SPUR Act Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources Act

US SB947

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

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 HR260

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1) to lower energy costs by increasing American energy production, exports, infrastructure, and critical minerals processing, by promoting transparency, accountability, permitting, and production of American resources, and by improving water quality certification and energy projects, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.