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. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J. Res. 35 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule concerns waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems, specifically focusing on procedures for compliance, including netting and exemptions. The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect.
The resolution was submitted by Mr. Pfluger and several co-sponsors and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which provides a mechanism for Congress to review and disapprove agency rules.
If passed, the resolution would effectively block the EPA's proposed waste emissions charge rule from being implemented.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.J. Res. 35 would prevent the EPA's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems from taking effect. This would mean that the procedures for facilitating compliance, including netting and exemptions, as outlined in the rule, would not be implemented.
The existing regulations and practices related to waste emissions in the petroleum and natural gas sectors would remain in place, without the changes proposed by the EPA rule. The impact would largely be felt by businesses in these sectors, as well as environmental groups and regulatory bodies.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces compliance costs for oil and gas companies, freeing up capital for investment or other uses.
- May prevent disruptions to energy production and supply chains that could result from the new EPA rule.
- Could be seen as upholding congressional authority over regulatory agencies.
- May foster greater certainty for businesses by avoiding regulatory changes.
- Could prevent unintended consequences or burdens associated with the EPA rule.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder efforts to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, potentially exacerbating climate change.
- May slow down the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices in the industry.
- Could be viewed as undermining the EPA's authority to regulate pollution and protect the environment.
- May lead to increased health risks for communities located near oil and gas facilities due to higher emissions.
- Could damage the United States' international reputation on climate action.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative power under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. Furthermore, the Congressional Review Act, codified in Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, provides a statutory basis for Congress to disapprove agency rules, representing a check on the executive branch's regulatory authority.
Disapproving the EPA rule aligns with Congress's power to oversee and regulate interstate commerce, as the oil and gas industry falls under this purview. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections.
However, the appropriateness of this action depends on whether the EPA's rule itself is a valid exercise of its delegated authority and consistent with existing environmental laws. The resolution itself is procedurally constitutional.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).