H.R.313 - Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 313, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, seeks to eliminate the natural gas tax by repealing Section 136 of the Clean Air Act, which pertains to the methane emissions and waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems. The bill also rescinds any unobligated funds allocated under that section.
The primary goal is to remove a tax burden on the natural gas industry. This could potentially lower energy costs but may also reduce funding for methane emissions reduction programs.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Pfluger and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the elimination of the natural gas tax as defined by the Clean Air Act's Section 136.
This would likely reduce the financial burden on natural gas producers. Simultaneously, funding for methane emissions reduction programs would cease.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower energy costs for consumers due to reduced taxes on natural gas.
- Reduced regulatory burden on the natural gas industry, potentially stimulating production.
- Could free up capital for natural gas companies to invest in other areas.
- May simplify the tax code by eliminating a specific tax.
- Could lead to increased domestic energy production.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in funding for programs designed to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
- May slow down progress on climate change mitigation efforts.
- Could disproportionately benefit natural gas companies at the expense of environmental protection.
- Possible negative impact on air quality due to increased methane emissions.
- May reduce incentives for the natural gas industry to adopt cleaner technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, implying the power to repeal them as well. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, the potential environmental impact could be argued in relation to the general welfare clause of the Preamble, depending on how one interprets the government's role in ensuring environmental protection. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and environmental regulation has historically been an area of shared responsibility.
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).