Texas and other states challenge federal methane tax in lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and officials from 22 Republican-led states are suing the EPA to block a federal methane emissions tax created under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Alejandra Martinez reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The lawsuit argues that the EPA exceeded its authority by creating a rule penalizing oil and gas facilities for methane emissions above federal limits.
- Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accounts for 16% of global emissions, with most U.S. methane emissions coming from the energy sector, especially in Texas.
- Critics say the tax unfairly impacts smaller operators and cite the complexity of reporting emissions.
Key quote:
“Over the past four years I have opposed the Biden Administration more than 100 times to stop its radical attempts to undermine the law. I am positive this last-minute effort to harm the energy industry will be halted as well.”
— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
Why this matters:
Methane is a major contributor to climate change, and reducing emissions could have a rapid impact on global temperatures. The lawsuit reflects ongoing political battles over how to balance environmental protections and energy industry interests.
Read more: Methane emissions are rising at a record-breaking pace
