# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of EPA Methane Charge Rule

Congress is voting to reject a new Environmental Protection Agency rule that would charge oil and natural gas companies money based on how much methane they release into the atmosphere. This is called a "disapproval resolution," which is Congress's way of saying "we don't want this rule to go into effect."

Here's what the EPA rule was trying to do: Starting in 2024, the EPA created a system to charge oil and natural gas companies a fee for methane emissions from their operations. The rule included ways for companies to reduce what they owe by counting emissions they've already cut down (called "netting") and allowed certain companies to get exemptions from paying. The EPA designed these procedures to make it easier for companies to follow the new rule and potentially lower their bills. If this disapproval resolution passes, this entire fee system would be blocked, and companies would not have to pay these charges.

Who this affects depends on your perspective. Oil and natural gas companies would benefit because they'd avoid these new fees, which could save them money. Environmental advocates argue this hurts efforts to reduce methane pollution, which contributes to climate change. Regular consumers might see slightly lower energy prices if companies pass savings along, though this isn't guaranteed. The resolution essentially asks whether Congress wants to let the EPA's climate-focused fee system move forward or stop it in its tracks.

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".

Hoeven, John

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled <em>Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions&nbsp;</em>and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from entities in the oil and gas sector if their emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.</p>