Us Congress House Bill HB1141

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Report Pass: 3/9/23

Caption

Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act

Impact

If passed, HB 1141 would amend federal law, specifically targeting the provisions associated with natural gas taxation under the Clean Air Act. The repeal is anticipated to shift financial responsibilities away from natural gas producers and could impact overall regulations concerning methane emissions. Supporters assert that this will not only benefit producers but also stimulate job growth within the sector as companies may expand operations without the financial constraints posed by the tax.

Summary

House Bill 1141, known as the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, aims to repeal the existing natural gas tax as outlined in Section 136 of the Clean Air Act. This legislation seeks to eliminate the tax that relates to methane emissions and the waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems. Proponents of the bill argue that repealing this tax will ease the financial burden on natural gas producers and potentially lower costs for consumers by fostering a more competitive market environment without the tax hindrance.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1141 appears largely positive among legislators and industry stakeholders advocating for the natural gas sector. They contend that repealing the tax will enhance competitiveness and reduce operational costs. However, critics argue that such a repeal could undermine environmental protections aimed at reducing methane emissions, thus raising concerns about the potential negative environmental impacts and the loss of incentives for sustainable practices in gas production.

Contention

The central points of contention surrounding HB 1141 include the environmental implications of repealing the tax and the potential loss of revenue designated for waste reduction programs. Environmental advocates express concerns that eliminating this tax could weaken efforts to curb methane emissions, which are a significant contributor to climate change. The debate also reflects broader discussions on the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship, with advocates for both sides making strong cases.