House Republicans introduce joint resolution to overturn Biden’s methane rule

House Republicans are taking aim at President Joe Biden’s controversial methane rule finalized in December 2023.

“Since his first day in office, Biden has unleashed a whole-of-government assault on domestic energy production, the lifeblood of our economy and cornerstone of our national security,” Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said in a statement announcing the introduction of a resolution that would overturn the rule.

Arrington’s resolution has 15 co-sponsors, including GOP Reps. August Pfluger, Texas, andTracey Mann Kansas.

The Environmental Protection Agency formally published the rule in March. The goal of the rule is to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, which had been making strides toward these reductions through a voluntary program that 70% of oil and gas producers are signed onto.

Despite the decreases in emissions, the Biden administration wanted more.

The rule includes a third-party reporting provision, which allows independent parties to report leaks, and may require producers to take action.

Industry groups are concerned the program could be abused by activists whose goal is not developing better data, but rather stopping oil and gas production.

“Americans are paying for President Biden’s failed energy policies. This rule will crush energy producers and consumers alike,” Mann said.

A companion resolution is being introduced by GOP Sens. Roger Marshall, Kansas, and Steve Daines, Montana. 

The resolution will be introduced under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to block finalized federal regulations.