Recognizing the benefits of natural gas to the United States economy and environment, and recognizing natural gas as an affordable and "green" energy.

Bill Number: H.Res. 57
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-02-06T09:06:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

H. Res. 57 is a non-binding House resolution that aims to affirm the positive role of natural gas in the U.S. economy and environment. It declares natural gas as an affordable and "green" energy source, emphasizing its contributions to emissions reductions, energy security, and international partnerships.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution consists of extensive "Whereas" clauses providing factual and policy-based rationale, followed by three main "Resolved" statements:

Recognition of natural gas as "green" energy: Affirms U.S.-produced natural gas as affordable and environmentally beneficial.
Commitment to an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy: Supports a broad approach to energy production, positioning natural gas as essential for U.S. energy dominance (meaning leadership in energy production and exports).
Endorsement of production and infrastructure efforts: Backs initiatives from the Trump administration, including actions by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of the Interior (DOI), to boost domestic natural gas production, remove regulatory barriers, and speed up approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.

The "Whereas" clauses highlight:

Criticisms of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022's methane emissions fee as a regressive tax increasing costs for consumers, farmers, and businesses.
Environmental benefits, such as natural gas contributing to two-thirds of power sector emissions reductions since 2005 and lower methane emissions despite doubled production.
Comparisons showing natural gas produces fewer air pollutants than other fossil fuels.
International context, including Europe's reliance on Russian gas, EU classifications of natural gas as a "green" investment, U.S. LNG exports reducing European prices and dependence on Russia, and a Biden administration pause on certain LNG exports.
Projections of growing global natural gas demand and U.S. abundance, supporting national security by reducing foreign energy dependence.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

None. As a resolution, H. Res. 57 does not amend or create new laws; it expresses the House's opinion and has no legal force. It was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources for review.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Could encourage DOE and DOI to prioritize natural gas policies, potentially influencing permitting and regulatory decisions, though without binding effect.
On citizens: Highlights potential cost increases from methane fees affecting families, low-income households, farmers, and small businesses; promotes natural gas as a reliable, lower-cost energy option.
On international relations: Reinforces U.S.-EU energy cooperation by supporting LNG exports, which have helped lower European prices and counter Russian influence; critiques recent U.S. export restrictions, potentially straining relations if policy shifts occur.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Natural gas industry and producers: Benefits from endorsements of production, exports, and reduced regulations.
Consumers and businesses: Impacted by discussions on energy costs, with emphasis on affordability for households, farmers, and small enterprises in producing regions.
Environmental and energy advocates: Divided, as it promotes natural gas as "green" amid debates on emissions and fossil fuel transitions.
Government entities: DOE, DOI, and congressional committees on energy and resources, which may face pressure to align with the resolution's pro-natural gas stance.
International partners: European Union countries, benefiting from U.S. LNG supplies to enhance energy security.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Lacks enforceable power but could serve as a congressional record influencing future legislation or executive actions on energy policy.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy preferences under Article I, without infringing on executive authority over energy exports or regulations.
Political: Signals partisan support for fossil fuel expansion, referencing Trump-era policies positively and critiquing Biden administration actions (e.g., LNG export pause), potentially fueling debates on energy independence, climate goals, and economic priorities in an election context.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

Recent Actions

2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-01-23: Submitted in House
2025-01-23: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Recognizing the benefits of natural gas to the United States economy and environment, and recognizing natural gas as an affordable and "green" energy. — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (4 pages)