US Federal House Bill HB313

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25

Caption

Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act

Summary

HB313, titled the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, would repeal Section 136 of the Clean Air Act, which established a methane emissions and waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems. In practical terms, the bill eliminates the federal program commonly described as a natural gas tax or methane fee, along with the statutory authority for that program. The bill also rescinds any unobligated federal funds that were made available under the repealed Clean Air Act section. That means any remaining money not yet committed for the methane emissions and waste reduction program would be taken back and no longer available for that purpose. The measure is narrow in scope and does not create a replacement program or new regulatory framework. Its impact would be to remove a federal climate and air-quality policy tool aimed at reducing methane leaks and waste from oil and gas operations. If enacted, it would affect petroleum and natural gas producers, pipeline and infrastructure operators, and federal agencies responsible for administering Clean Air Act programs, while also reducing compliance-related incentives and penalties tied to methane emissions. Because there were no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, the available context does not show direct debate or formal support/opposition within the legislative record supplied. Based on the bill’s subject matter, it is likely to be viewed favorably by fossil fuel industry interests and opponents of methane-related fees or regulation, while drawing criticism from environmental advocates and supporters of methane reduction policies. The main point of contention is whether the federal government should retain a methane emissions fee/incentive structure to curb pollution from oil and gas systems or repeal it as an unnecessary burden on energy producers. Supporters of repeal would likely argue it lowers costs and regulatory pressure, while opponents would likely argue it weakens emissions controls and climate policy.

Impact

The bill would amend federal law by repealing Section 136 of the Clean Air Act and rescinding unobligated balances associated with that section. This would terminate the methane emissions and waste reduction incentive program for petroleum and natural gas systems, removing the statutory basis for the program and any remaining funds tied to it. The affected parties would include oil and gas operators, methane-emissions regulators, and entities involved in Clean Air Act implementation.

Sentiment

No committee discussion or vote data were provided, so there is no recorded legislative sentiment in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears aligned with a deregulatory, pro-energy-production position and would likely be supported by industry stakeholders and opposed by environmental and climate-policy advocates.

Contention

The central controversy is the repeal of the methane emissions and waste reduction program under the Clean Air Act. Supporters of the bill would likely contend that the program functions as an unnecessary tax or compliance burden on natural gas and petroleum producers, while opponents would argue that repealing it would undermine methane reduction efforts, air-quality protections, and climate goals. No named lawmakers or committee members were provided in the record to attribute specific arguments.