The US Senate has recently passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution with a 52-47 vote, reflecting party lines, which introduces uncertainty regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane polluter fee, also known as the Waste Emissions Charge. This decision blocks the implementation of the fee, though its legal requirement persists, leaving oil and gas operators unsure about compliance.
The methane fee is part of the Methane Emission Reduction Program (MERP), established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and signed into law by former President Biden. This program aims to reduce methane pollution, enhance air quality, and safeguard public health while holding major polluters accountable for excessive emissions.
Before the Senate's decision, the House approved the resolution in a 220-206 vote, gaining support from some Democrats. The measure now awaits President Trump’s decision. It threatens years of efforts by New Mexico communities and environmental advocates who have long supported strong safeguards against methane waste. The fee targets only oil and gas companies that exceed industry-established emissions thresholds, urging them to address leaks, adopt cleaner technology, minimize routine flaring, and improve monitoring. The EPA estimated that fully implementing the Waste Emissions Charge could eliminate over a million metric tons of methane by 2035, significantly reducing waste while promoting job growth in clean energy.
Despite bipartisan support for the CRA resolution, New Mexico’s entire congressional delegation opposed it, resisting what many view as another concession to industry polluters. Environmental and faith-based organizations such as New Mexico and El Paso Interfaith Power & Light have expressed gratitude for their leadership in prioritizing environmental stewardship and public well-being.
Sister Joan Brown from New Mexico and El Paso Interfaith Power & Light stated: “People of faith in New Mexico believe that caring for communities, and our sacred water, air, and land is an ethical and moral responsibility. For more than 10 years, people of faith and conscience in New Mexico have worked for strong methane safeguards. Thank you to the NM delegation for recognizing that the Waste Emissions Charge is important and would have helped companies be more responsible for the Common Good. We are all called to be good neighbors and to care for God’s creation and one another. This was one simple and effective way to make sure that business is responsible.”
As President Trump considers his decision on this resolution, New Mexico advocates continue their commitment to ensuring strong methane protections while emphasizing responsible industry practices that prioritize both people and planet over short-term corporate interests.
