Closing Loopholes for Oil and other Sources of Emissions Act; CLOSE Act
Summary
H.R. 6081, also known as the CLOSE Act, aims to amend the Clean Air Act by eliminating the exemption for aggregating emissions from oil and gas sources. It also mandates the EPA to include hydrogen sulfide as a hazardous air pollutant. This bill seeks to strengthen environmental regulations concerning air quality.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of the CLOSE Act is increased regulation and oversight of emissions from oil and gas operations. This includes stricter enforcement and potential penalties for non-compliance. The addition of hydrogen sulfide as a hazardous air pollutant will trigger further regulatory actions to control its emission from various sources.
Potential Benefits
- Improved air quality due to stricter emissions controls.
- Reduced health risks associated with exposure to hazardous air pollutants.
- Greater environmental protection through the elimination of emissions exemptions.
- Potential for innovation in cleaner energy technologies.
- Increased transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for oil and gas companies.
- Potential for reduced domestic energy production.
- Possible job losses in the oil and gas sector.
- Increased energy prices for consumers.
- Potential legal challenges from industry stakeholders.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it promotes public health and environmental protection. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes regulating industries that impact air quality. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).