3 Bills Became Law in March 2025
Continuing Resolution passed; government shutdown avoided
In March, Congress averted a government shutdown by passing a continuing resolution. Many constituents had hoped Chuck Schumer and the Democrats would extract concessions, seeing it as probably the only bill this entire congressional session that required the Democrat’s support.
-Mike
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
Bill Introduced: 2025-03-10
Became Public Law on: 2025-03-15Bill Summary:
Provides continuing appropriations for federal agencies for FY2025, preventing a government shutdown by extending funding at FY2024 levels.
Includes adjustments to funding for various programs and activities compared to FY2024 levels.
Extends multiple expiring programs and authorities, including those related to public health, Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Reauthorizes critical programs and authorities for cybersecurity, immigration, TANF, and controls on fentanyl-related substances, among others.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Bill Introduced: 2025-02-04
Became Public Law on: 2025-03-14Bill Summary:
Nullifies an EPA rule related to compliance requirements for methane emissions from petroleum and natural gas systems.
The rule established an annual charge for excess methane and greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Aimed to facilitate compliance with the Methane Emissions Reduction Program.
Impacts the regulatory framework governing emissions charges and compliance for the oil and gas industry.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Bill Introduced: 2025-02-04
Became Public Law on: 2025-03-14Bill Summary:
Nullifies a BOEM rule that mandated archaeological reports for oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Requires operators to identify potential archaeological resources in areas of potential effects before seeking BOEM approval.
Expands the requirement for archaeological reporting beyond cases where there is prior reason to believe resources may be present.
Aims to streamline regulatory processes for oil and gas development by eliminating additional reporting obligations.