General Summary of the Bill

This bill, H. RES. 161, outlines the procedural rules for considering two specific joint resolutions in the United States House of Representatives. Firstly, the bill addresses H.J. Res. 20, which involves congressional disapproval of a Department of Energy rule concerning energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. Secondly, it pertains to H.J. Res. 35, which concerns congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. Additionally, the bill sets the framework for discussing the concurrent resolution to establish the federal budget for the 2025 fiscal year and outlines budgetary levels for years up to 2034.

Summary of Significant Issues

One of the underlined concerns is the waiver of all procedural objections, known as points of order, against the joint resolutions. This could potentially limit necessary legislative scrutiny. The bill does not specify criteria for evaluating the energy conservation standards or detailed procedures for calculating and implementing emissions charges, leading to potential transparency issues.

Furthermore, the debate time allocated is limited to one hour, equally divided, which might not allow for comprehensive legislative analysis. Another concern is the exemption procedures for the waste emissions charge, as the conditions under which exemptions would be granted are not clearly detailed, possibly leading to inequitable applications.

Finally, the complex legislative language and references to parliamentary procedures can make the bill appear inaccessible to those unfamiliar with legislative processes, thereby complicating public understanding.

Potential Impact on the Public

The bill might have broad implications for energy conservation practices and environmental regulations in the US. The disapproval of the Department of Energy’s rule could affect consumers' energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of water heaters. In terms of environmental impact, the handling of emissions charges could influence the effectiveness of pollution control measures in the petroleum and natural gas industries, thereby impacting air quality and public health.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positives

• Consumers: If the disapproval of energy conservation standards leads to more flexible regulations, it might reduce costs for consumers installing gas-fired water heaters.

• Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries: By potentially disapproving the EPA’s rule, these industries might benefit from less stringent emissions charges, possibly reducing operational costs.

Negatives

• Environmental Advocates: They could view the disapproval of both the Department of Energy and EPA rules as setbacks in efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

• Consumers Seeking Energy Efficiency: The lack of stringent energy standards might deter consumers focused on energy efficiency from investments benefiting the environment and providing long-term cost savings.

• Regulatory Bodies: The waiving of points of order might inhibit regulatory agencies from effectively presenting their case for these rules, potentially undermining the regulatory process intended to balance industrial progress with environmental protection.

In conclusion, while H. RES. 161 aims to streamline the legislative process for these joint resolutions, it also raises issues regarding transparency, legislative scrutiny, and public accessibility, which need careful consideration to ensure equitable and effective policy making.