Rep. Keller criticizes House advancement of bill reversing Trump administration EPA methane rule

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) expressed his opposition to the recent advancement of the Methane Congressional Review Act (S.J. Resolution 14) by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The joint resolution provides for Congressional disapproval and nullification of two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules relating to oil and natural gas sector emissions standards. The act advanced the Senate in April.

“The reversal of the Trump administration’s Methane Rule is a partisan attack on homegrown energy that will kill American jobs and send energy costs soaring,” Keller said. “This rule was a key part of the regulatory overhaul that enabled our country to achieve energy independence and, with it, unlock affordable energy, family-sustaining jobs, and a renewed position of strength on the global stage. Today’s vote showcases how fixated Washington Democrats are on reinstating the burdensome energy regulations ushered in by the Obama administration, which made our country weaker and less secure.”

The EPA issued two final rules in 2020, simplifying the process for oil and gas companies to comply with the New Source Performance Standards under the Clean Air Act. According to a release from Keller’s office, the two final rules were estimated to yield combined net benefits of $750 to $850 million from 2021 to 2030. These 2020 rules updated and corrected the Obama EPA’s national standards for the oil and natural gas industry, which fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses.

The Congressional Review Act gives Congress 60 legislative days to consider a joint resolution of disapproval for any rule finalized and reported to the House and Senate.