Us Congress House Bill HB484

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Refer: 1/24/23

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 484 would directly affect federal environmental policies, particularly those aimed at controlling methane emissions, which are considered a major contributor to climate change. The repeal of the methane emissions incentive program could potentially encourage increased emissions from natural gas facilities, as operators may no longer feel compelled to implement measures aimed at reducing their environmental impact. Proponents of the bill may argue that it alleviates burdensome regulations on the natural gas industry, thereby promoting energy independence and economic growth.

Summary

House Bill 484, titled the 'Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act', aims to eliminate a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that incentivizes petroleum and natural gas systems to lower their emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases. This bill repeals a specific charge related to methane emissions imposed on facilities required to report their greenhouse gas emissions under the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Program. The proposed legislation is significant as it seeks to roll back existing regulatory measures designed to mitigate the environmental impact of greenhouse gases from natural gas production.

Contention

The discussions around HB 484 are likely to highlight a clash between economic interests and environmental concerns. Supporters of the bill often come from the energy sector, advocating for fewer regulations to foster growth and competition. In contrast, environmental groups and some lawmakers may strongly oppose the repeal, viewing it as a setback for efforts to combat climate change and protect public health. The contentious nature of this bill reflects the ongoing national debate regarding how best to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.