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".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 12
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-27: Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T18:25:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 12) aims to block a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA is a law that lets Congress quickly review and overturn federal agency regulations it disagrees with, preventing the rule from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution formally disapproves the EPA's rule titled "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions," published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 91094).
- Nullification: If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, meaning it could not be enforced.
- Procedural Steps: Introduced on February 4, 2025, by Senator Hoeven and co-sponsors; read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; committee discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c) on February 20, 2025, and placed on the Senate calendar.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution would directly override the EPA's rule without altering broader statutes. The rule itself outlines ways for oil and gas companies to comply with emissions fees (e.g., "netting," where emissions reductions in one area offset increases in another, and exemptions for certain low-emission activities). Overturning it removes these compliance options, potentially reverting to stricter or less flexible enforcement of emissions charges under prior EPA guidelines.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the EPA's ability to implement tailored compliance procedures for waste emissions in the oil and gas sector, possibly increasing administrative burdens or legal challenges for the agency.
- On Citizens and Industry: Benefits petroleum and natural gas companies by halting procedures that could impose or facilitate fees on waste emissions (methane and other greenhouse gases), potentially reducing costs but slowing environmental protections. Citizens concerned with climate change might see delayed reductions in air pollution from these industries.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could signal U.S. policy shifts on energy regulations, affecting global perceptions of American climate commitments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- EPA and Federal Regulators: Lose authority to enforce the specific rule, impacting their oversight of emissions in the energy sector.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry: Primary beneficiaries, as the rule's disapproval avoids potential compliance costs related to emissions charges.
- Environmental and Climate Advocacy Groups: Adversely affected, as it could weaken efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
- Congressional Sponsors: Mostly Republican senators (e.g., Hoeven, Capito, Cruz), representing states with significant oil and gas interests, who seek to reduce regulatory burdens on energy production.
- General Public: Indirectly impacted through potential effects on air quality, energy prices, and climate policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), a streamlined process for Congress to veto agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission; once disapproved, the rule cannot be reissued without new congressional approval. This upholds Congress's constitutional oversight of the executive branch.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the separation of powers by allowing legislative check on agency rulemaking, but critics might argue it undermines expert-driven environmental regulation.
- Political: Reflects partisan divides on energy and climate policy; introduced by a bipartisan-leaning but predominantly conservative group, it could energize debates on deregulation versus environmental protection in the 119th Congress. If enacted, it sets a precedent for using the CRA against Biden-era rules, especially post-2024 elections.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (26)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-27: Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-27: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1413)
- 2025-02-26: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1391)
- 2025-02-26: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 96. (CR S1391) (Roll call 96)
- 2025-02-20: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 14.
- 2025-02-20: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-02-20: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-02-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)
- 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. — issued 2025-02-20 — PDF (4 pages)