Congress votes to scrap EPA rule on oil and gas methane fee compliance
Signed into lawH.J.Res. 35Latest action
Sponsor: August Pfluger · Representative · TX
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Official title: 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".
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This resolution would erase the EPA's compliance rule for the methane "Waste Emissions Charge" on oil and gas companies.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill cancels an EPA rule that explained how oil and natural gas companies could comply with the methane "Waste Emissions Charge," including offsetting emissions across facilities ("netting") and qualifying for exemptions. If enacted, the rule is void as if it never existed, and EPA cannot issue a similar rule later without new congressional authorization.
Who does it affect?
Oil and natural gas companies that would have followed this guidance to calculate and pay methane fees are directly affected. Environmental regulators and communities near oil and gas facilities are also affected, since the rule was part of broader methane emission reduction efforts.
Why does it matter?
Without this rule, companies lose the specific compliance guidance for calculating and paying the methane fee, though the underlying fee itself remains in place under separate law. This could create uncertainty around how emissions netting and exemptions are handled going forward.
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This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-2.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
Senate · · Roll call 97
As recorded
- Question
- On the H.J.Res. 35
- Result:
- Joint Resolution Passed
- 52
- Nay
- 47
- 0
- 1
Republicans 52 yes, 1 not voting · Democrats 45 no · Independents 2 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 52
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 220
- Nay
- 206
- 1
- 6
Republicans 214 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 6 yes, 205 no, 1 present, 3 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record