Bill · S. 514· Senate(119-S-514)
MERP Clarifications Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/11/2025
- Last activity
- 2/11/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Methane Emissions Reduction Program Clarifications Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Clean Air Act regarding the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. It establishes exemptions from reporting requirements and charges for small upstream producers who meet specific greenhouse gas and employee thresholds. The legislation also implements new requirements for public comment periods, dispute resolution, and the transparency of calculation methods used by the Administrator. Additionally, it sets a sunset date for the program and establishes protocols for what happens if the program is not reauthorized.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill requires the Administrator to provide clear explanations of calculation methods and disclose information sources.
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
Small business owners in the petroleum and natural gas sectors benefit from exemptions and dispute resolution processes.
Does this cut taxes for small businesses?+6
The bill exempts small upstream producers from specific methane-related charges and reporting requirements.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-4
By exempting small producers from methane charges, the bill may reduce the incentive for these facilities to reduce emissions.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The bill mandates the rescission of unobligated balances of funds for the program on December 31, 2034.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The bill implements a sunset date that limits the long-term authority to enforce methane emissions reductions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Exemptions for Small Producers: Small upstream producers that generated less than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases per year and had 2,500 or fewer full-time employees as of August 16, 2022, are exempt from certain reporting requirements and charges (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Reduced Administrative Burden for Small Facilities: Small facilities meeting the exemption criteria do not have to demonstrate to the Administrator that they meet those specific requirements (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Increased Transparency in Calculations: The Administrator must provide an easily understandable explanation of methods used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions, methane intensity, and other emissions factors (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
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Disclosure of Information Sources: The bill requires the public disclosure of consultants, academic institutions, and nongovernmental institutions that assisted in developing emissions information, as well as a description of all studies used (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Enhanced Public Input: The bill mandates a public comment period of not less than 90 days for proposed regulations, or up to 120 days for certain rules, allowing for more public oversight (Section 2(a)(1)(i) and Section 2(c)(1)).
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Conflict Resolution Options: An expedited process will be established for applicable facilities to appeal or dispute the amount of a charge imposed (Section 2(a)(1)(j)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Mandatory Sunset of Authority: The authority provided under this section terminates on December 31, 2034, and if not reauthorized, the Administrator must immediately stop all activities regarding the imposition of the charge (Section 2(a)(1)(l)).
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Financial Risk for Government Agency Actions: If a Federal agency carries out authority under this section after the sunset date without reauthorization, parties that suffer likely harm may seek financial compensation from the Federal Government (Section 2(a)(1)(l)(2)(B)(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6Good For Rural Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Small Business Taxes+6Improves Small Business Support+5Reduces Government Spending-3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions-4Improves Environmental Protections-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Increases Federal Power-2
- 2/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate