Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior relating to "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-High Pressure High Temperature Updates".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 57
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-04T09:05:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 57) aims to disapprove a specific regulatory rule issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI). The rule updates safety and operational standards for oil, gas, and sulfur activities in high-pressure, high-temperature environments on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), which is the federally managed seabed and subsoil extending beyond state waters. By disapproving the rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress seeks to prevent its implementation and maintain existing regulations.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the DOI rule titled "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf—High Pressure High Temperature Updates," published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 71076).
- Nullification: If enacted, the rule would have no legal force or effect, effectively blocking its enforcement.
- CRA Mechanism: The resolution invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code, which is the CRA—a law allowing Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency rules submitted to it within a specific timeframe.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reversal of Agency Action: This would override the DOI's updates to regulations under 30 C.F.R. Parts 250 and 585, which were intended to modernize requirements for handling high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions in OCS operations (e.g., deeper drilling safety measures).
- Preservation of Status Quo: Existing pre-2024 rules on OCS operations would remain in place, avoiding new requirements for equipment testing, well design, and risk assessments tailored to HPHT environments.
- No Broader Amendments: The resolution does not alter the underlying statutes like the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), but it limits the DOI's ability to implement this specific rulemaking.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOI, particularly the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), would lose authority to enforce the new HPHT standards, potentially delaying or altering future regulatory efforts in offshore energy.
- On Citizens and Industry: Oil and gas operators could continue under older rules, possibly reducing compliance costs but raising concerns about safety in high-risk drilling. Environmental protections might not see the intended enhancements, affecting coastal communities near OCS areas.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. energy export reliability and perceptions of regulatory stability for international partners in global oil markets.
Main Stakeholders
- Energy Industry: Oil and gas companies (e.g., those leasing OCS acreage) benefit from avoiding stricter HPHT rules, potentially lowering operational costs.
- Department of the Interior: Faces a check on its rulemaking power, affecting its oversight of offshore resources.
- Environmental and Safety Advocates: Groups concerned with spill prevention and worker safety may oppose the disapproval, as the rule aimed to address risks in challenging deepwater conditions.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Lawmakers use this to assert legislative oversight; citizens indirectly affected through energy prices, jobs, and environmental risks.
- Coastal States and Communities: States like Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, with significant OCS activity, could see economic implications from unchanged regulations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the CRA's role as a tool for congressional oversight of executive branch actions (the CRA allows simple majority votes in both chambers and avoids presidential veto for rules submitted after May 11 in a session). If passed, it could set a precedent for challenging technical energy rules.
- Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, with Congress checking agency rulemaking derived from statutes like OCSLA, ensuring legislative intent prevails over administrative updates.
- Political: Reflects debates on energy policy, balancing industry deregulation with safety/environmental concerns; introduced in the 119th Congress (2025), it signals potential partisan divides on fossil fuel regulation amid energy independence goals. No court challenges are directly implied, but it could invite litigation if operators rely on the nullified rule.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior relating to "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-High Pressure High Temperature Updates". — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (2 pages)