Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has voted to overturn a regulation from the Biden administration concerning natural gas emissions. The regulation in question is part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program under the Inflation Reduction Act, which allowed for a tax on natural gas emissions.

The Senate approved a Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval by a vote of 52-47. This resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven and co-sponsored by Chairman Capito.

Before the final vote, Chairman Capito addressed her colleagues on the Senate floor regarding the potential consequences of this tax on natural gas. She emphasized its importance to American energy production and urged support for the resolution.

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 further remarked on her commitment since last November to work towards repealing what she described as an "anti-energy tax" alongside President Trump and other Congress members.

Capito highlighted concerns about energy reliability over the next decade due to increasing consumption and retiring fossil fuel infrastructure. She stressed that investment in natural gas is essential for meeting future energy demands and maintaining economic stability.

According to Capito: “Over 60% of American homes...heat their homes, their water, or their food with natural gas.” She also noted that natural gas contributes significantly to electricity generation and industrial processes while reducing carbon dioxide emissions in recent years.

Capito argued that repealing this tax would benefit both national security and environmental goals. She criticized revisions made by the EPA under this regulation for imposing excessive burdens on American energy producers.

In conclusion, she encouraged her fellow senators to support efforts aimed at reinforcing American energy dominance by opposing policies she believes could increase costs for families and harm U.S. interests.