Overview
Title
To repeal the natural gas tax.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to stop a special rule that made companies pay extra money when they let out a gas called methane, which can be bad for the Earth. It also plans to take back any leftover money that was meant to be used for this rule, but doesn’t say what happens next for taking care of methane.
Summary AI
H. R. 313, known as the “Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act,” is proposed legislation that aims to eliminate the tax on natural gas by repealing Section 136 of the Clean Air Act. This section previously dealt with methane emissions and implemented a waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems. Additionally, the bill calls for the rescinding of any remaining funds that were allocated under this section.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
House Bill 313, known as the "Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act," was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025. The proposed legislation primarily seeks to repeal Section 136 of the Clean Air Act, which deals with a program for reducing methane emissions and waste from petroleum and natural gas systems. Additionally, it includes a provision to rescind any unobligated funds that were allocated under the aforementioned section of the Clean Air Act.
Significant Issues Highlighted
Environmental Concerns
One of the major issues with this bill is the potential weakening of efforts to control methane emissions. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas, and any reduction in programs aimed at managing its release could have notable environmental consequences. The bill does not provide any detail on how methane emissions and waste might be managed once the program is rescinded.
Lack of Transparency
The absence of a clear rationale or justification for repealing Section 136 could lead to concerns about the process and motives behind the bill. Without a transparent explanation, stakeholders and the public may question the potential environmental and social impact of this legislative change.
Impact on Programs and Funding
Rescinding unobligated funds under Section 136 creates uncertainty regarding which programs or initiatives might be affected. The potential loss of funding could disrupt ongoing environmental projects, research, or other efforts that depend on these financial resources.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, this bill could weaken established environmental protections aimed at reducing methane emissions, which may impact the broader effort to combat climate change. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its management is critical to environmental sustainability; hence, repealing the associated incentives without replacements might hinder progress in this area.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Environmental Advocates
For environmental groups and advocates, the repeal of Section 136 could represent a step backward in addressing climate change. These stakeholders might be concerned about the reduction in regulatory measures aimed at managing emissions from the petroleum and natural gas sectors.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry
Conversely, stakeholders within the petroleum and natural gas industry might view this repeal as beneficial. The removal of this specific taxation and related programs could reduce costs and regulatory burdens, potentially allowing for more flexible operational practices.
Government and Policymakers
For government entities and policymakers, the repeal poses a challenge in balancing economic interests with environmental responsibilities. The rescission of previously allocated funds also requires careful consideration about the reallocation of budgetary resources to address any resulting regulatory or environmental gaps.
In conclusion, while the intent of the "Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act" is clear in its focus on deregulation, the broader implications for environmental policy, economic interests, and resource management require thorough examination and discourse among stakeholders.
Issues
The repeal in Section 2 of the Clean Air Act's Section 136, which relates to methane emissions and waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems, may potentially weaken environmental protection efforts against methane emissions, an important greenhouse gas impacting climate change.
Section 2 does not provide reasoning or a justification for the repeal, leading to concerns about transparency and the impact on environmental programs intended to reduce methane emissions in the petroleum and natural gas sectors.
The text does not outline any alternative measures or strategies for controlling methane emissions after the repeal, which could create a regulatory gap in addressing greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 3 rescinds the unobligated balance of funds related to Section 136 without clarifying which programs are affected, potentially impacting funding for any ongoing environmental protection or research programs that rely on these funds.
The lack of clarity in Section 3 about what constitutes an 'unobligated balance' and the specifics of fund allocation might make it difficult for stakeholders to understand the full financial implications of the rescission.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the act states its short title, which is the "Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act."
2. Repeal Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 136 of the Clean Air Act, which deals with a program for reducing methane emissions and waste from petroleum and natural gas systems, is being canceled.
3. Rescission Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section rescinds, or cancels, any leftover funds that were available under a specific part of the Clean Air Act as it was before this bill was enacted.