Overview
Title
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review.
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about stopping a new rule that tells oil and gas companies to pollute less. If this happens, the companies wouldn't have to follow the rule anymore.
Summary AI
The joint resolution S. J. RES. 71 aims to overturn a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule is focused on setting performance standards and emission guidelines for new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas sector to address climate change. If passed, the resolution would nullify the EPA's rule, meaning it would no longer have any legal effect. The resolution was introduced in the Senate and has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The joint resolution, identified as S. J. RES. 71, represents a legislative action by the United States Senate, introduced during the 118th Congress, to disapprove a specific rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question pertains to the “Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources,” focusing on the oil and natural gas sector's climate review. Essentially, this resolution, if passed, would nullify the enforcement of these EPA standards.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues are apparent in this legislative action. Firstly, the resolution disapproves the EPA rule without detailing the reasoning behind this disapproval. The absence of explanation could lead to confusion among stakeholders who may seek a deeper understanding of the motivations driving this decision. Similarly, the resolution does not offer any alternative solutions or considerations, leaving a noticeable gap regarding what the desired legislative direction or outcome might be, should the EPA rule be dismissed. Additionally, failing to discuss the potential implications or consequences of this disapproval means stakeholders, including those in the oil and natural gas sectors or involved in environmental advocacy, may not fully understand the impact of this legislative move. Lastly, the citation of the Federal Register notice could be made clearer to facilitate easier reference and review.
Impacts on the Public and Stakeholders
Disapproving the EPA's climate standards could have broad implications. For the general public, the potential environmental benefits anticipated from such standards—such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality—might not materialize, which could have far-reaching consequences on public health and the environment. The lack of such federal standards may also influence how different states approach climate change regulations in the absence of national guidance.
For stakeholders in the oil and natural gas industry, this resolution might be seen as a positive development, potentially reducing regulatory burdens and compliance costs associated with meeting new climate-related performance standards. However, it could also impose long-term risks if failure to meet certain environmental standards leads to increased scrutiny or backlash from environmentally conscious investors and consumers.
Contrastingly, environmental groups and advocates may view this disapproval as a setback in efforts to address climate change effectively, seeing it as a diminishment of governmental action to regulate and reduce emissions from a significant sector.
In conclusion, while the resolution directly aims at nullifying EPA standards, its broader implications regarding environmental policy, regulatory burdens, and public health outcomes remain complex and multifaceted, warranting thorough consideration by lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public alike.
Issues
The bill disapproves a specific EPA rule without providing detailed reasoning for why the rule is disapproved, leading to potential confusion among stakeholders regarding the motivations and justifications behind this legislative action. (Section: Issues)
The lack of an alternative solution or consideration in the bill leaves a gap in understanding regarding what the desired outcome is instead of the disapproved rule, which could be important for stakeholders looking for policy direction. (Section: Issues)
The bill does not address potential implications or consequences of disapproving the rule, which could affect stakeholders' understanding of how this decision impacts environmental and regulatory policy, particularly in the oil and natural gas sector. (Section: Issues)
The citation format for the Federal Register notice (89 Fed. Reg. 16820 (March 8, 2024)) could be clarified to aid ease of reference, which is important for transparency and for those seeking to review the original rule. (Section: Issues)
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.
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Summary AI
Congress disagrees with a rule introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency about climate standards for the oil and natural gas sector, and has decided that this rule will not be enforced.