Congress·In Progress·S.J.Res. 12

Senators Move to Overturn EPA Rule Charging Oil and Gas Companies for Methane Waste

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".

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

↔Companion bill: Trump Signs Resolution Killing EPA Methane Fee Rules for Oil and Gas Companies

Legislative Progress

Senate

House

President

Law

Key Points

This proposal would cancel a rule created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule requires oil and gas companies to pay a fee if they leak or release too much methane, which is a potent type of air pollution.
If this resolution becomes law, the EPA would be stopped from collecting these "waste emissions charges." It would also prevent the agency from making any similar rules in the future unless Congress passes a new law specifically allowing it.
The lawmakers who introduced this want to protect the energy industry from extra costs. They argue that these fees could lead to higher prices for heating and gasoline for everyday families.
The original EPA rule was meant to reduce climate-warming pollution by making it expensive for companies to waste natural gas. Without the rule, companies would no longer face these specific federal penalties for their emission levels.

Energy EnvironmentEconomy Finance

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

StateScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones8 actions

Feb 27, 2025Senate

Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.

Feb 27, 2025Senate

Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1413)

Feb 26, 2025Senate

Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1391)

Feb 26, 2025Senate

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 96. (CR S1391)

Feb 20, 2025Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 14.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Spring 2025

Senate votes on the resolution under Congressional Review Act fast-track procedures

If passed by the Senate and House and signed by the President, the EPA methane waste emissions charge rule would be permanently nullified and the EPA would be blocked from issuing substantially similar rules without new legislation from Congress.

Upon presidential signature

If enacted, the EPA methane fee is immediately voided

Oil and gas companies would no longer owe waste emissions charges for exceeding methane thresholds, and any pending compliance obligations under the rule would be canceled. The EPA could not create a similar rule in the future without new authorization from Congress.

Vote Results

1 vote

SenatePassedProceduralFeb 26, 2025

On the Motion to Proceed

Democrat

0 – 45

Republican

52 – 0 · 1

Independent

0 – 2

View full roll call

Related Bills

1 bill

H.J.Res. 35Identical bill

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".

Mar 14 — Became Public Law No: 119-2.