H.J.Res. 35 · 119th Congress · House
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 a
Introduced 2025-02-04 · Sponsored by Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] (R-TX) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-03-14): Became Public Law No: 119-2.
Summary
Eliminates the first-ever federal fee on methane pollution from oil and gas operations. The EPA rule charged companies when their methane leaks exceeded certain thresholds, creating a financial incentive to fix leaking equipment. Congress struck it down using the CRA, and because of how the CRA works, the EPA cannot issue a similar rule without new legislation.
The Good
Removes compliance costs for oil and gas producers
The EPA's methane emissions charge imposed fees on petroleum and natural gas facilities exceeding certain emission thresholds. Overturning it eliminates a cost burden that industry groups argued would be passed through to consumers as higher energy prices.
Industry argued the charge duplicated existing state regulations
Several oil-producing states already regulate methane emissions. Producers contended the federal charge created overlapping compliance requirements without corresponding environmental benefit beyond what state programs already achieved.
The Bad
Removes the only federal fee on methane pollution from oil and gas
Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas in its first 20 years. The emissions charge was the first federal mechanism to put a price on methane leaks, creating a financial incentive for operators to fix leaking equipment. Without it, there is no direct cost for venting or flaring.
Prevents EPA from reissuing a similar rule
Under the CRA, EPA cannot issue a substantially similar methane charge without new legislation from Congress. This does not just reverse the current rule but constrains the agency's future ability to regulate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-02-27
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #97
Senate vote by state
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