Congress is set to vote on repealing climate regulations put in place during the last months of the Biden administration. These rules aimed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and establish efficiency standards for water heaters, with the potential to prevent millions of tons of climate pollution in the coming years. The vote marks one of the first uses of the Congressional Review Act by the new Congress, allowing lawmakers to overturn specific regulations with a simple majority vote, pending presidential approval.
Republican Opposition and Legislative Strategy
Republican members of Congress have taken aim at 29 regulations finalized in the final days of the Biden administration, focusing on environmental and climate rules. Of the 41 resolutions introduced, 17 target regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. Republicans argue that these regulations are driving up costs for consumers, while the Biden administration contends that they would ultimately save money by reducing wasteful gas leaks and promoting energy efficiency.
One of the resolutions up for a vote seeks to repeal a fee on methane emissions for oil and gas companies. This fee, announced by the EPA in November, was projected to reduce methane emissions by 1.2 million metric tons until 2035, equivalent to cutting 34 million metric tons of carbon dioxide or the annual emissions of 8 million gas-powered cars. Supporters of the fee emphasize its potential to not only combat climate change but also create job opportunities and save money for consumers.
However, critics of the fee, including the oil industry and its supporters, have pushed for its repeal. The American Petroleum Institute identified repealing the methane fee as a top priority after the election of President Trump and Republican control of Congress. The potential elimination of the fee could have implications for gas exports, affecting compliance with European methane emission standards.
Impact on Energy Efficiency Standards
Another resolution set for a vote targets efficiency standards for tankless water heaters established by the Energy Department. While this rule was intended to save consumers $112 over the water heater’s lifespan, it would require an estimated nine years to realize these savings due to higher initial costs. Compliance with the rule would cost the industry $20.4 million but reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 million metric tons over three decades.
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, representing appliance manufacturers, opposes the repeal of these standards. Francis J. Dietz, the institute’s vice president for public affairs, highlighted the collaborative effort between industry members and the Energy Department in crafting these standards. Conversely, the American Gas Association, representing gas utilities, opposed the regulation, which was finalized recently.
The Congressional Review Act resolutions, impacting regulations enacted within the last 60 working days, could restrict agency actions in response to the repeal of these rules. While the methane fee was mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, a key piece of climate legislation under the Biden administration, and the water heater standards were legally required, agencies would be compelled to replace these rules if repealed by Congress. Despite this, the Congressional Review Act’s limitations on similar rules could result in weaker replacements, according to James Goodwin, policy director at the Center for Progressive Reform.
This detailed analysis of the upcoming Congressional vote underscores the complex interplay between political interests, environmental concerns, and economic impacts. The decisions made in the coming days will have far-reaching implications for climate policy, energy regulation, and consumer costs. As stakeholders on all sides present their arguments and advocate for their positions, the broader conversation on climate action and regulatory oversight continues to evolve.
