Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota has voted in favor of H.J. Res. 35, a resolution she helped sponsor to counteract the Biden administration's recent methane emissions tax on petroleum and natural gas producers. This regulation, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in November 2024, enforces a per-ton tax on methane emissions from these systems. The rule has raised concerns among producers about increased uncertainty and reduced investment in domestic energy infrastructure.

Fedorchak stated, "North Dakota is a leader in responsible energy production, and our producers have made tremendous strides in reducing emissions while keeping energy affordable." She added that the tax would negatively impact small and mid-size independent producers who contribute significantly to America's natural gas supply. "It puts North Dakota jobs at risk, raises costs on families, and makes us more dependent on foreign adversaries," she said.

The new rule introduces a "waste emissions charge" that critics argue will disproportionately affect North Dakota's energy sector, elevate costs, and challenge U.S. energy independence. State officials estimate that similar regulations could result in approximately $38 million annually in lost revenue due to decreased royalties and oil and gas taxes.

"This tax hurts energy producers who are already doing it right," Fedorchak argued. She emphasized that American energy leads globally in cleanliness and emission reductions through innovation rather than federal mandates. "American energy solutions are clean energy solutions," she concluded.

H.J. Res. 35 was passed using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which permits Congress to nullify federal agency actions before they become fully effective. Additionally, earlier this month, the House approved H.R. 77, known as the Midnight Rules Act, aimed at overturning multiple last-minute regulations issued by an outgoing administration with a single vote.

In case you missed it: Rep. Fedorchak spoke in support of the resolution on the House Floor.