Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has voted to overturn a regulation under the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) rule is part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program within the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act. This regulation allows for the collection of what has been termed a natural gas tax, which opponents argue could negatively impact American energy production and jobs.

The Senate passed a Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval with a 52-47 vote. The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and co-sponsored by Chairman Capito.

Before the final vote, Chairman Capito spoke on the Senate floor about the potential consequences of this natural gas tax and emphasized the importance of natural gas in maintaining American energy dominance.

Chairman Capito stated, "I rise today in support of my friend from North Dakota, Senator Hoeven’s, Congressional Review Act resolution to block the implementation of the Biden administration's Waste Emissions Charge, otherwise known as the natural gas tax."

She continued by expressing her commitment to working with President Trump and Congress to repeal what she described as an anti-energy tax. "Today in the Senate, that is exactly what we're working to do," she said.

Capito highlighted concerns regarding future energy reliability due to increased consumption and early retirement of fossil fuel generation facilities. She argued for continued investment in natural gas to meet future demand and maintain economic stability.

"Over 60% of American homes...heat their homes, their water, or their food with natural gas," she noted. "Natural gas is responsible for over 40% of electricity generation."

Capito also mentioned that fracking and shale gas have significantly impacted American energy prices and security while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 35% over 25 years according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

She criticized the EPA's revisions under subpart W requirements for reporting emissions, suggesting they would inaccurately inflate methane emissions reports for smaller operators.

"The rule would not only radically expand...the greenhouse gas reporting program but it also excessively expands...facilities that are covered by subpart W," she argued.

In conclusion, Capito urged her colleagues to support repealing this tax as it poses risks to both economic stability and environmental goals. "Today's vote on the CRA provides all senators...to put our vote on record after witnessing...this misguided policy," she concluded.