Natural Gas Dominance Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 29, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to reduce regulatory burdens on the crude oil and natural gas industry by limiting EPA's ability to mandate specific emissions monitoring technologies and extending allowed flaring times during operational disruptions.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring continuous monitoring of the net heating value (NHV) of combustion control devices, such as flares, at crude oil and natural gas facilities. It also prevents the EPA from reducing the maximum allowed duration for flaring associated gas during malfunctions or safety incidents below 72 hours and establishes allowances for flaring during temporary service interruptions from gathering or pipeline systems.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill reduces unnecessary and costly regulatory burdens on the domestic oil and natural gas industry, fostering energy independence and economic growth. They contend that continuous NHV monitoring is overly prescriptive and that existing regulations are sufficient for environmental protection, while extended flaring allowances are crucial for operational safety and flexibility.
Opponents contend
Opponents assert that the bill weakens critical environmental protections under the Clean Air Act, potentially leading to increased emissions of methane and hazardous air pollutants. They argue that continuous monitoring is essential for ensuring effective pollution control and that extended flaring durations contribute significantly to climate change and local air pollution, posing risks to public health.
The bill is very short and straightforward to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibiting Continuous NHV Monitoring for New Stationary Sources
This provision amends Section 111 of the Clean Air Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring continuous monitoring of the net heating value (NHV) or related parameters for combustion control devices, such as flares and enclosed combustion devices, at crude oil and natural gas facilities that are considered new stationary sources. NHV is a measure of the energy content of the gas being combusted, and continuous monitoring helps ensure efficient pollution control.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that continuous NHV monitoring is an overly burdensome and costly requirement for the industry, providing marginal environmental benefits while hindering energy production. They contend that existing monitoring methods are sufficient for compliance.
Critics contend
Critics assert that continuous NHV monitoring is crucial for ensuring that flares and other combustion devices are operating efficiently and effectively reducing harmful air pollutants, including methane and volatile organic compounds. They argue that removing this requirement could lead to increased emissions and negative health impacts.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances industry compliance costs and operational flexibility against the EPA's ability to ensure effective emissions control and public health protection.
Section 2(b)
Prohibiting Continuous NHV Monitoring for Hazardous Air Pollutants
This section extends the prohibition on continuous net heating value (NHV) monitoring to facilities regulated under the Hazardous Air Pollutants section of the Clean Air Act. Specifically, it prevents the EPA from requiring such monitoring for combustion control devices at oil and gas exploration or production wells and natural gas transmission and storage facilities, which are sources of hazardous air pollutants.
Section 3(a)
Preventing Reduction of Allowed Flaring Duration During Malfunctions
This provision prohibits the EPA from issuing any rule that would reduce the maximum allowed duration for routing associated gas to a flare or control device during a malfunction or incident endangering personnel or public safety, specifically keeping the limit at or above 72 hours. This ensures that operators have sufficient time to address safety issues without incurring penalties for flaring beyond a shorter regulatory limit.
Section 3(b)
Establishing Flaring Duration During Gathering/Pipeline Service Interruptions
This provision allows owners or operators of wells to route associated gas to a flare or control device for the duration of a temporary interruption in service from a gathering or pipeline system, or for a period determined by the EPA to be necessary (no less than 90 days), whichever is less. This provides a clear allowance for flaring when infrastructure limitations prevent gas capture.