Bill Summary
This resolution outlines the procedures for the House of Representatives to consider two joint resolutions (H.J. Res. 20 and H.J. Res. 35) aimed at disapproving specific rules proposed by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, respectively. H.J. Res. 20 addresses energy conservation standards for gas-fired water heaters, while H.J. Res. 35 relates to regulations on waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems.
The resolution waives all points of order against the consideration of these joint resolutions, allowing them to be discussed and voted on without procedural hindrances. Each joint resolution will have one hour of debate, divided equally between the majority and minority parties.
Additionally, the resolution allows the House to move into a Committee of the Whole to consider a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) that establishes the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and sets budgetary levels for the following years until 2034. The concurrent resolution will also have waived points of order, a set period for debate, and provisions for amendments to be made without requiring a separate vote.
In summary, this resolution facilitates the House's consideration of important legislative matters related to energy conservation, environmental regulations, and the federal budget while streamlining procedural requirements.
Possible Impacts
The resolution you provided outlines congressional disapproval of specific rules related to energy conservation standards and emissions charges, as well as the establishment of a budget for the U.S. government. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Impact on Energy Costs for Consumers**: The disapproval of the Department of Energy's rule on energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters may prevent the implementation of energy-efficient technologies. This could lead to higher energy costs for consumers who rely on these water heaters, as they may not benefit from savings associated with improved efficiency standards. Over time, consumers could face increased utility bills and potentially higher maintenance costs if they are unable to upgrade to more efficient models.
2. **Environmental and Health Outcomes**: The disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems could have significant environmental implications. Without this regulation, companies may not be incentivized to reduce emissions, leading to poorer air quality and increased health risks for communities living near these facilities. Such outcomes could exacerbate health issues related to respiratory diseases and other pollution-related illnesses, affecting the quality of life for residents in affected areas.
3. **Government Budget Implications**: The congressional budget resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishes budgetary levels for fiscal years 2025 through 2034. Changes to federal spending as outlined in the budget could impact various public services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. For instance, funding cuts in certain areas could lead to reduced services or increased costs for individuals relying on those services, affecting communities and families. Conversely, increased funding in other areas could provide more resources for job creation and economic development, influencing job opportunities and community well-being.
Overall, the resolution could have wide-ranging effects on consumer costs, environmental health, and government services that directly impact people's daily lives.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 161 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
House Calendar No. 4
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 161
[Report No. 119-5]
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20)
providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters'';
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35)
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''; and providing for consideration of
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year
2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2026 through 2034.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2025
Mrs. Houchin, from the Committee on Rules, reported the following
resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
printed
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20)
providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters'';
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35)
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''; and providing for consideration of
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year
2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2026 through 2034.
Resolved, That upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in
order to consider in the House the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20)
providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters''. All
points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are
waived. The joint resolution shall be considered as read. All points of
order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived. The
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint
resolution and on any amendment thereto to final passage without
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and
controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce or their respective designees; and (2) one motion
to recommit.
Sec. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to
consider in the House the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) 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''. All points of order against consideration of the joint
resolution are waived. The joint resolution shall be considered as
read. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution
are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the
joint resolution and on any amendment thereto to final passage without
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and
controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce or their respective designees; and (2) one motion
to recommit.
Sec. 3. At any time after adoption of this resolution the Speaker
may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved
into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for
consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14)
establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government
for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels
for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. The first reading of the concurrent
resolution shall be dispensed with. All points of order against
consideration of the concurrent resolution are waived. General debate
shall not exceed three hours, with two hours of general debate confined
to the congressional budget equally divided and controlled by the chair
and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget or their
respective designees and one hour of general debate on the subject of
economic goals and policies equally divided and controlled by
Representative Schweikert of Arizona and Representative Beyer of
Virginia or their respective designees. The amendment printed in the
report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution shall be
considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole.
The concurrent resolution, as amended, shall be considered as read.
After general debate the Committee shall rise and report the concurrent
resolution, as amended, to the House. The previous question shall be
considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution and amendments
thereto to adoption without intervening motion except amendments
offered by the chair of the Committee on the Budget pursuant to section
305(a)(5) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to achieve
mathematical consistency. The concurrent resolution shall not be
subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption.
House Calendar No. 4
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 161
[Report No. 119-5]
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20)
providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy
relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation
Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters'';
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35)
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''; and providing for consideration of
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year
2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2026 through 2034.
_______________________________________________________________________
February 25, 2025
Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed