Bill Summary
This joint resolution is a formal act by the United States Congress to disapprove a specific rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question concerns the "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems," which outlines procedures for ensuring compliance with emissions regulations, including provisions for netting and exemptions.
By passing this resolution, Congress is effectively nullifying the rule, meaning it will not be implemented or enforced. The resolution cites the rule published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2024, and emphasizes that it shall have no legal effect. This action reflects Congressional oversight of regulatory measures and indicates a desire to prevent the rule from taking effect.
Possible Impacts
The joint resolution disapproving the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule on waste emissions charges could affect people in several ways:
1. **Environmental Impact**: Without the implementation of the waste emissions charge, there may be increased emissions from petroleum and natural gas systems. This could lead to a deterioration of air quality, negatively impacting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
2. **Economic Consequences for Communities**: The absence of regulations like the waste emissions charge could result in lower compliance costs for companies in the petroleum and natural gas sector. While this might benefit these businesses economically in the short term, it could also lead to long-term economic costs for communities that face health-related issues or environmental degradation, potentially affecting local economies and property values.
3. **Regulatory Certainty and Investment Decisions**: The disapproval of this EPA rule may create uncertainty in the regulatory landscape for companies operating in the energy sector. Investors and businesses may hesitate to invest in cleaner technologies or practices if they perceive a lack of regulatory support for emissions reductions. This could hinder progress toward more sustainable energy practices and technologies, impacting job creation in clean energy sectors as well.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 12 Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 14
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 12
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''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 4, 2025
Mr. Hoeven (for himself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Lee, Mr. Lankford, Mrs.
Britt, Mr. Daines, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Cramer, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Risch, Mr.
Scott of Florida, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Justice, Mr.
Tuberville, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Sheehy, Mr.
Tillis, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Barrasso, and Mr.
Cornyn) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice
and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
February 20, 2025
Committee discharged by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar
_______________________________________________________________________
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''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves 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'' (89 Fed. Reg. 91094 (November 18, 2024)), and such rule
shall have no force or effect.
Calendar No. 14
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 12
_______________________________________________________________________
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''.
_______________________________________________________________________
February 20, 2025
Committee discharged by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar