US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SJR12

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from entities in the oil and gas sector if their emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

Impact

If SJR12 is enacted, it would prevent the implementation of the EPA's current rule, thereby impacting the regulatory framework surrounding waste emissions from petroleum and natural gas operations. The legislation reflects a broader push among certain congressional members to limit the regulatory power of federal agencies, especially regarding environmental regulations that affect key industries. The disapproval could lead to increased emissions from these systems, as companies may not be compelled to adopt the compliance measures initially proposed by the EPA.

Summary

SJR12 is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate to disapprove a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The rule detailed procedures for facilitating compliance, including netting and exemptions relevant to the petroleum and natural gas industries. The resolution aims to nullify this rule, effectively indicating Congress's discontent with the EPA's regulation in this domain. As it proceeded through the legislative process, it was placed on the calendar for further consideration after being discharged from the committee by petition.

Sentiment

Discussion around SJR12 has shown a favorable sentiment among its sponsors, primarily Republican legislators who view the resolution as a necessary step in reducing regulatory burdens on the energy sector. In contrast, opponents of the resolution may express concerns regarding environmental protection and public health implications. This divide illustrates a fundamental tension between regulatory oversight and business interests, with advocates for disapproval often prioritizing economic growth over environmental regulations.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding SJR12 arises from its implications for environmental management in the energy industry. Advocates for the bill argue that the EPA's rule could impose undue financial burdens on companies, thereby hindering energy production and economic growth. Conversely, critics argue that disapproving the emissions rules could exacerbate environmental issues and undermine public health safeguards. The resolution thus serves as a focal point for broader debates about the role of government in regulating environmental practices in the face of industrial interests.

Congress_id

119-SJRES-12

Policy_area

Environmental Protection

Introduced_date

2025-02-04

Companion Bills

US HJR35

Related bill This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector if the emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

Previously Filed As

US HJR35

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector if the emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

US HB313

Natural Gas Tax Repeal ActThis bill eliminates a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that provides support for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It also repeals a charge on methane emissions from facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases per year.

US SB613

Methane emissions: petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions.

US SB143

Natural Gas Tax Repeal ActThis bill eliminates a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that provides support for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It also repeals a charge on methane emissions from facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases per year.

US HB3263

Relating to a program for monitoring methane emissions using funds from the Texas emissions reduction plan.

US HJR26

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3 and published on April 22, 2024. Heavy-duty vehicles generally include vocational vehicles (such as public utility trucks and school buses) and tractors (such as cabs on tractor-trailer trucks).Among other requirements, the rule phases in standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from certain heavy-duty vehicles. The phased-in standards replace previous standards that were established under the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles—Phase 2 rule with more stringent standards.

US HR161

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.

US SB514

MERP Clarifications Act of 2025 Methane Emissions Reduction Program Clarifications Act of 2025

US SB4

Clear Horizons & Greenhouse Gas Emissions

US A03975

Establishes an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the state by setting a maximum allowable amount of greenhouse gas emissions by covered entities and regulating the sale or auction of greenhouse gas emissions allowances to covered entities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.