Methane Waste Emissions Charge is Common Sense, February 2025
- Editor
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 27
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A federal regulation to curtail waste methane emissions from the oil and gas industries is under threat in the new Congress. During production, oil and gas companies release huge amounts of methane gas as waste. In 2022, Congress passed legislation including a Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) as an incentive for companies to clean up their operations. Now resolutions to roll back the WEC have been introduced in the House (H.J. Res. 35) and Senate (S.J. Res. 12) under the Congressional Review Act. Contact your Members of Congress now to urge them to speak out on behalf of the WEC and oppose any efforts to roll it back.
Background
In the production process, oil and gas companies allow waste gases including methane to escape into the atmosphere from leaking pipes and by venting and flaring (burning.) Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to approximately one-third of the global warming we are experiencing today. New satellite technology that can detect leaks has documented this is a much bigger problem that was previously understood. At the same time, it presents a huge opportunity because reducing methane emissions may be the fastest way to slow global warming.
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP), which helps reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gas (GHGs) from the oil and gas sector, including reducing emissions from oil and natural gas infrastructure in or near overburdened communities where people live, work, and go to school. MERP gives the USEPA new authorities under the Clean Air Act (Section 136) to reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector. MERP provides over $1 billion in financial and technical assistance to help the oil and gas sector reduce emissions and revises the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to ensure waste emissions are reported accurately.
MERP includes a charge on methane emissions known as the Methane Waste Emissions Charge (WEC). The WEC applies when facilities waste more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. The fee on emissions over this limit will start at $900 per metric ton in 2024 and increase to $1,500 in 2026. The amount of the fee is based on a benefit-cost analysis that determined that the impact on the cost of gas will be minimal and there will be significant climate and health benefits. Of course, producers can avoid the fee entirely by implementing measures to reduce waste.
Why Now?
Now, the Waste Emissions Charge is under attack. Numerous states are suing EPA to halt the charge. And resolutions under the Congressional Review Act to roll back the Waste Emissions Charge have been introduced in the House and Senate. We need to speak up for this common sense and urgently needed measure. A sample message to your Member of Congress is provided below.
Jewish Perspectives
While Judaism did not originate the oft-used phrase “seventh heaven,” the Talmud adopts the concept of a seven-tiered cosmos, with God and the highest angels residing in the seventh and most exalted level. But what of the first and lowest level – our atmosphere? The Gemara refers to it as vilon, derived from the word for curtain or veil—a delicate, permeable layer that serves as the gateway to the six realms above. This imagery aligns with Isaiah’s words (40:22): “Who stretches out the heavens as a curtain [vilon], and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in.” The Gemara further states that vilon “contains nothing, but enters in the morning and departs in the evening, renewing the act of Creation daily.” Greenhouse gases, though invisible to the naked eye, are detectable through scientific instruments. Should we not strive to keep this fragile envelope that blankets Earth—our own vilon, renewing Creation each day—as clear and untainted as possible?
Learn More
The Oil and Gas Industry’s Methane Problem in Four Charts, Bloomberg NEF
Inflation Reduction Act Methane Emissions Charge: In Brief, Congressional Research Service
The Inflation Reduction Act is a game changer on methane. Here’s why, Environmental Defense Fund
Curtailing Fugitive Methane Emissions Amid a Potential US Regulatory Rollback, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy
Halt Dangerous Methane Leaks, Jewish Earth Alliance
Sample Message to Your Senators and Representative
I am writing to ask you to protect the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) from any Congressional rollback. The WEC is a critical element of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program.
The WEC is a common-sense measure to reduce waste in the oil and gas industry. Valuable gas that is wasted through venting, flaring, and leaks is depriving Americans of energy while exposing us to dangerous pollution. Stopping this waste is the fastest, most cost-effective way to slow the rate of climate change.
I support the WEC because… Add your personal story about exposure to gas, waste that you have observed, efforts in your community to reduce dependence on gas, or why you are concerned about climate change
As a Jew, my tradition has taught me to view creation with awe and to do my best to steward our precious resources.
I urge you to vote against any effort to roll back the Waste Emissions Charge.
How to Contact Your Members of Congress
Find your Members of Congress at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Call the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to reach your Member of Congress’ office.
Online: Go to your Member’s website and look for the “contact” page to submit a message.
Use the Sample Message above to contact your Members of Congress now to urge them to speak out on behalf of the WEC and oppose any efforts to roll it back.
