Statement of Administration Policy: H.J. Res. 35 - A Joint Resolution 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"

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Pfluger, R-TX, and 16 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports passage of H.J. Res. 35, a joint resolution to disapprove the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions."

The November 18, 2024 rule implements provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that require the EPA to collect an annual Waste Emissions Charge on methane emissions from oil and natural gas facilities that exceed specific levels of emissions and methane intensity specified in the IRA. The rule also includes certain exemptions for facilities, establishes reporting requirements as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Subpart W Rule, as well as filing and auditing procedures to facilitate compliance.

The Administration is committed to reducing regulatory burdens on American businesses and consumers, and this misguided rule imposes significant new costs each year across the oil and natural gas sectors that will increase energy prices.

If this bill were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.