S.143 - Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.143, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, aims to amend the Clean Air Act by repealing the natural gas tax, specifically targeting Section 136 related to methane emissions and waste reduction. The bill also rescinds any unobligated funds allocated under the repealed section. Introduced in the Senate, the bill reflects an effort to roll back specific environmental regulations related to the natural gas industry.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would eliminate the methane emissions and waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems established under Section 136 of the Clean Air Act. This would likely reduce the regulatory burden on the natural gas industry. It would also eliminate funding for methane emissions reduction, potentially impacting environmental efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower energy costs for consumers due to reduced operational costs for natural gas companies.
- Reduced regulatory burden on the natural gas industry, potentially stimulating investment.
- Could lead to increased natural gas production, enhancing energy independence.
- May free up government funds for other priorities by rescinding unobligated balances.
- Could simplify the regulatory landscape for the energy sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in methane emissions due to the removal of the waste reduction incentive program.
- Reduced funding for environmental protection measures related to natural gas systems.
- Possible negative impact on air quality and climate change mitigation efforts.
- May disproportionately benefit the natural gas industry at the expense of environmental concerns.
- Could undermine the goals of the Clean Air Act related to reducing pollution from the energy sector.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily related to the balance of powers and the role of Congress in regulating commerce and enacting laws. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, which could be interpreted to include environmental regulations affecting industries like natural gas. The repeal itself is an exercise of legislative power granted to Congress. The bill does not appear to directly infringe on any specific individual rights or freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights.
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).