US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB937

Introduced
3/22/23  

Caption

A bill to amend Public Law 117-169 to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from using funds for methane monitoring to be used to monitor emissions of methane from livestock, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill seeks to limit federal involvement in regulating methane emissions linked to livestock, which proponents argue could alleviate burdens on farmers. By restricting EPA's monitoring capabilities, the legislation is positioned to promote agricultural interests and minimize the costs and regulations that might arise as a result of stringent environmental monitoring. This could create a more favorable environment for livestock producers, allowing them to operate with greater autonomy from federal pollution regulations.

Summary

SB937 aims to amend Public Law 117-169 with a focus on methane emissions from livestock. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using allocated funds to monitor such emissions from livestock sources. The motivation behind this legislation appears to be a response to concerns from the agricultural sector regarding federal oversight and regulation, particularly around environmental practices that may impact farming operations.

Contention

However, the bill does raise significant environmental concerns. Critics argue that monitoring methane emissions from livestock is essential for addressing climate change issues and that prohibiting such oversight could exacerbate environmental challenges. There is a divide between the interests of the agricultural community, seeking to reduce regulatory pressures, and environmental groups advocating for stringent measures to manage greenhouse gas emissions effectively. The contention reflects broader debates on the balance between agricultural productivity and environmental protection.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3263

Relating to a program for monitoring methane emissions using funds from the Texas emissions reduction plan.

US HB1630

Concerning livestock methane emissions.

US HB7416

Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026

US SB613

Methane emissions: petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions.

US SB143

Natural Gas Tax Repeal ActThis bill eliminates a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that provides support for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It also repeals a charge on methane emissions from facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases per year.

US HB313

Natural Gas Tax Repeal ActThis bill eliminates a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that provides support for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It also repeals a charge on methane emissions from facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases per year.

US HB480

Methane Border Adjustment Mechanism Act

US HB1498

Relating to the monitoring of emissions from certain concrete plants.

US HB752

Methane Emissions Mitigation Research and Development Act

US HB382

Exported Carbon Emissions Report Act of 2025This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to annually collect, calculate, and publish information on certain emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from fossil fuels. Specifically, the EPA must publish information, for each of the previous 10 years, on the total emissions of carbon dioxide and methane that are released (1) within the boundaries of the United States that are the result of the extraction, processing, transportation, combustion, and other use of fossil fuels; and (2) outside the boundaries of the United States that are the result of leakage and combustion of fossil fuels produced or refined in the United States and subsequently exported.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.