HJRES 35: 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".

HJRES 35 in plain English: This joint resolution cancels an EPA rule that established procedures for collecting an annual waste emissions charge on oil and gas facilities that exceed greenhouse gas and methane emission thresholds under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. By nullifying the rule published on November 18, 2024, Congress eliminates the charge for facilities such as onshore and offshore oil and gas producers. The resolution has been signed into law as Public Law No. 119-2.

Stated purpose

This resolution cancels an EPA rule that set up procedures for collecting a charge on oil and gas facilities that emit methane above certain levels, making the rule have no legal force or effect.

Key points

• Eliminates an annual waste emissions charge on oil and gas facilities that exceed methane and greenhouse gas emission thresholds.
• Nullifies an EPA rule published November 18, 2024, covering compliance procedures including netting and exemptions.
• Affects onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities subject to the Methane Emissions Reduction Program.

Arguments supporters make

• The EPA charge placed an extra financial burden on American oil and gas producers, raising their operating costs and potentially increasing energy prices for consumers.
• Eliminating the charge removes a regulatory requirement that critics say overstepped the EPA's authority and went beyond what Congress clearly authorized.
• Repealing the rule gives domestic energy producers more certainty and flexibility, which supporters say encourages greater U.S. energy production.

Arguments opponents make

• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and removing the charge eliminates a financial incentive for oil and gas facilities to reduce their emissions below regulated thresholds.
• The charge was part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program created by Congress, and canceling the EPA's implementing rule undermines that program's effectiveness.
• Eliminating the charge means facilities that exceed emission thresholds face no financial consequence, which critics say removes accountability for pollution.

Tradeoffs

Removing the charge reduces costs and regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industry, but it also eliminates a mechanism designed to discourage excess methane emissions; the resolution trades environmental enforcement pressure for economic relief on energy producers.

Current status in Congress: Became law.

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