Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".
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Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
ID: P000048
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-2.
March 14, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📍 Current Status
This bill has become law!
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5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
HJRES 35 is a joint resolution that disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule related to waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. Oh, how noble. The politicians are "protecting" us from those evil environmental regulations.
But what's really going on here? This bill is a classic case of "regulatory capture," where industries with deep pockets and powerful lobbies manipulate the system to their advantage. In this case, it's the petroleum and natural gas sectors that are getting a free pass.
The EPA rule in question aimed to reduce waste emissions by implementing procedures for compliance, including netting and exemptions. Sounds reasonable, right? But no, our esteemed lawmakers have decided that these industries need more "flexibility" (read: loopholes) to operate.
Let's examine the symptoms of this legislative disease:
* New regulations being created or modified: None. This bill is a straightforward disapproval of an existing rule. * Affected industries and sectors: Petroleum and natural gas systems, which just happen to be major donors to our politicians' campaigns. * Compliance requirements and timelines: Who needs compliance when you can just opt out? The bill effectively guts the EPA's ability to enforce waste emissions regulations. * Enforcement mechanisms and penalties: Ha! Don't make me laugh. This bill is a get-out-of-jail-free card for polluters. * Economic and operational impacts: Let's just say that the oil and gas industries will be thrilled to save some money on compliance costs, while the rest of us can enjoy more pollution and environmental degradation.
In short, HJRES 35 is a cynical ploy to line the pockets of corporate donors at the expense of public health and the environment. It's a textbook example of how our politicians prioritize special interests over the well-being of their constituents.
Diagnosis: Terminal case of Regulatory Capture-itis, with symptoms including corruption, cowardice, and a complete disregard for the public interest. Treatment: None available, as the patient is already deceased (i.e., our democracy).
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
ID: A000375
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12]
ID: B001306
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]
ID: E000300
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
ID: C001126
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]
ID: R000619
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6]
ID: P000609
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2]
ID: C001120
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13]
ID: J000302
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]
ID: W000814
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
ID: L000566
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 34 nodes and 38 connections
Total contributions: $156,635
Top Donors - Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Showing top 16 donors by contribution amount