Senators Move to Overturn EPA Rule Charging Oil and Gas Companies for Methane Waste
Impact Analysis
State Impacts
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.
Milestones
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1413)
Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1391)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 96. (CR S1391)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 14.
What Happens Next
Projected impacts based on AI analysis
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.
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 voteOn the Motion to Proceed
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
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".
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(26)Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.