The House and Senate successfully passed H J Res 35, effectively nullifying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that imposed a "methane tax" under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). This rule allowed the EPA to levy an annual charge on methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector. It will now head to the office of the president where it is expected to be signed into law. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), said the vote would support the Trump administration’s goal of producing more energy domestically and help to “build a more secure and more affordable energy future.”

Additionally, the House approved H J Res 20, which repeals a U.S. Department of Energy rule that set energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired water heaters. Advocates of the resolution argued that the Department of Energy's rule would restrict consumer choice and elevate costs, referencing a report by the American Gas Association that projected a $450 price increase for the affected units. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has introduced a companion measure in S J Res 4 that has not yet received floor consideration.