The Trader Harbor
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks

The Trader Harbor

Politics

Energy expert weighs in on 23 state attorneys general suing EPA over new methane emissions fee

by admin January 18, 2025
January 18, 2025
Energy expert weighs in on 23 state attorneys general suing EPA over new methane emissions fee

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading 22 other attorneys general in suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a new rule that would fine the oil and natural gas sector for methane emissions that exceed a certain level. 

The GOP states are alleging the new rule, which was established in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is ‘arbitrary, capricious, [and] an abuse of discretion.’ The complaint against the EPA is scant on details, other than asserting the new rule is ‘unlawful’ because ‘the final rule exceeds the agency’s statutory authority.’ 

While the Supreme Court has articulated a very narrow authority on how Congress can delegate its legislative power, Steve Milloy, former Trump administration EPA transition adviser and senior fellow at the Energy and Environmental Legal Institute, said it is unclear to him how the EPA’s rule circumvents Congress. 

‘The IRA clearly says EPA is to levy a tax and prescribes the tax rate,’ Milloy told Fox News Digital, pointing to the section of the IRA’s ‘Waste Emissions Charge’ that sets a threshold for methane emissions at 25,000 metric tons. ‘I will be interested to see how the states support their claims.’ 

Nonetheless, Milloy is against the new fee on the oil and gas sector, noting methane is an ‘irrelevant greenhouse gas.’

‘The tax is pointless and will accomplish nothing except to make oil and natural gas more expensive,’ he said.

Milloy suggested the move to sue in the final days of the Biden administration is to start the process for the plaintiffs to settle with the Trump administration. According to him, this is a tactic that has been used by both sides of the green energy debate. He added that in the past, the Trump administration has sought to get rid of ‘sue and settle’ tactics.

‘Congress needs to change the law,’ Milloy said. ‘Because, let’s say that they sue and settle, well, the next administration can come back and undo it.’

Meanwhile, another forthcoming lawsuit from the Michigan Oil and Gas Association (MOGA) and the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AMFree) has also asserted that the new rule circumvents Congress, but provided details explaining why.

‘Under Subpart W, facilities in the natural gas and petroleum supply chains must report greenhouse gas emissions if they emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions each year,’ the second lawsuit explains. ‘For gases other than carbon dioxide, ‘equivalent’ emissions are determined by multiplying emissions by the gas’s ‘global warming potential’ (‘GWP’).’ 

Michael Buschbacher, a partner at Boyden Gray PLLC, which is representing MOGA and AmFree in their lawsuit, agreed with Milloy that it will take legislation to reverse the new methane rule, but said the purpose of their legal filings is ‘to get the most onerous mandates off the books, so the American energy industry can begin its march back to dominance under the new administration.’

‘The Biden-era environmental regulations aren’t going to magically vanish at 12:01 on Monday. It’s going to take time and legislation to unwind the mess that he has left behind,’ Buschbacher said.

The EPA declined to comment on the matter, citing the pending nature of the litigation.

Related Topics

  • Environmental Regulation
  • Politics
  • Trump Transition
  • Climate
This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
RNC chair Whatley vows to be ‘tip of the spear’ to protect Trump after coasting to re-election victory
next post
Obama wishes wife Michelle happy birthday as she stays away from key public events

Related Posts

Campaign chairs say Biden is both ‘more committed...

July 20, 2024

Romania blocks frontrunner from postponed presidential race

March 10, 2025

Terror attack rocks Israel; three buses reportedly explode

February 21, 2025

First on Fox: VP Vance to tout Trump’s...

February 20, 2025

Harris claims Trump abortion platform makes ‘no exception,’...

September 11, 2024

Margin of error race between Harris and Trump...

September 3, 2024

Biden to meet with national security team ahead...

August 5, 2024

Biden’s DEI mandates creating very real national security...

April 3, 2024

Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal sparks heated debate among...

February 11, 2025

DOUG SCHOEN: Trump’s Iran strategy could ignite long-awaited...

June 23, 2025

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • The Real Drivers of This Market: AI, Semis & Robotics

      July 21, 2025
    • What Musk’s fracture with Trump means for GOP’s future: ‘Beating heart of the Republican Party’

      July 21, 2025
    • Trump’s housing chief rips Powell for blowing millions on Fed facelift during housing crisis he perpetuates

      July 21, 2025
    • Trump celebrates 6 months back in office: US ‘totally revived’ after being ‘DEAD’ under Biden

      July 21, 2025
    • Biden admin spent hefty sum of US tax dollars to upgrade embassy swimming pools in Iraq, Russia

      July 21, 2025
    • Trump heads to Scotland, continues ironing out trade deals after notching six months back in office

      July 21, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,299)
    • Politics (4,040)
    • Stocks (1,535)
    • Uncategorized (45)
    • World News (1,292)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheTraderHarbor, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 thetraderharbor.com | All Rights Reserved