S.jres12 - 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
This document is a joint resolution (S.J. Res. 12) introduced in the Senate during the 119th Congress. It aims to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The rule in question, titled "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions," is targeted for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which outlines procedures for congressional review of agency rulemaking.
The resolution expresses Congress's intent to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect. The joint resolution was initially referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works but was later discharged by petition and placed on the calendar.
The resolution cites the specific Federal Register publication (89 Fed. Reg. 91094) where the EPA rule was published.
Expected Effects
If the joint resolution is passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and either signed into law by the President or if Congress overrides a presidential veto, the EPA rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems will be invalidated.
This would mean that the EPA would be unable to enforce the specific regulations outlined in the disapproved rule. The practical effect would be to prevent the implementation of the waste emissions charge and associated compliance procedures.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for petroleum and natural gas companies, potentially leading to lower energy prices for consumers.
- May prevent job losses in the oil and gas industry that could result from the cost of compliance with the EPA rule.
- Could foster increased domestic energy production by reducing regulatory burdens.
- Might encourage innovation in emissions reduction technologies as companies seek cost-effective alternatives to mandated charges.
- Could prevent what some perceive as regulatory overreach by the EPA, reinforcing congressional oversight of agency actions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased emissions of harmful pollutants from the petroleum and natural gas sector.
- May hinder efforts to combat climate change by reducing incentives for companies to reduce waste emissions.
- Could negatively impact public health due to increased air pollution.
- Might undermine the EPA's authority to regulate environmental impacts from the oil and gas industry.
- Could damage the United States' international reputation on environmental issues and climate action.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code, which is itself based on Congress's legislative powers granted by Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution. This section vests all legislative powers in Congress, including the power to review and disapprove agency rules.
The resolution is an exercise of congressional oversight, a power implied in the Constitution's structure of checks and balances. By using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) process, Congress is attempting to ensure that the EPA's rule aligns with the legislative intent behind the laws the agency is tasked with implementing.
However, the Constitution does not explicitly define the extent of congressional power over agency regulations, leading to ongoing debates about the appropriate balance between legislative and executive authority.
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).