Senator Capito Opposes Natural Gas Emissions Tax, Citing Energy Reliability and Cost Concerns

Washington, D.C., February 26, 2025 — In a Senate floor statement, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia voiced her opposition to the Biden administration’s natural gas emissions tax, supporting the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution introduced by Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota to block the tax. Capito highlighted concerns over rising energy consumption and the early retirement of fossil fuel plants, which could jeopardize energy reliability in the coming years.

Capito emphasized the essential role of natural gas in meeting America’s energy needs, noting that over 60 percent of Americans rely on it for heating and more than 40 percent of electricity generation comes from natural gas. She praised the energy sector’s progress in reducing emissions through the expansion of natural gas-fired power plants, which have cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent in the past 25 years.

However, Capito criticized the natural gas tax for potentially raising energy prices and hindering production. She argued that it would disproportionately affect smaller operators and encourage foreign natural gas production, including from Russia. Capito also opposed new EPA emission reporting rules, claiming they would lead to inflated emission estimates and higher costs for American energy producers.

In closing, Capito urged her colleagues to support the CRA resolution, which she argued was crucial for maintaining energy reliability, economic growth, and national security while rejecting policies that would increase costs for American families.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements and proceedings from the U.S. Congressional Record, a public government source. The content reflects remarks made by members of Congress and has been edited solely for clarity and length. EnergyRoundup.com presents these records for informational purposes and does not endorse any political viewpoint.