Note: Synopsis based on review of draft legislation as well as Congressional committee and media summaries. Synopsis intended solely for purposes of generating discussion.

Key Provisions of H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 (as of March 10, 2011)

  • Would amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating or taking action on greenhouse gas emissions over concerns about climate change
  • “Greenhouse gas” is defined as: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulpher hexaflouride, hydroflurocarbons, perflurocarbons, and any other substance subject to, or proposed to be subject to, regulation, action or consideration under the Clean Air Act over concerns about climate change
  • Ten rules and actions related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation of greenhouse gases would be repealed and would no longer have legal effect
  • Explicitly does not prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from addressing greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act for reasons other than climate change mitigation
  • Explicitly does not prohibit federal research, development, and demonstration programs addressing climate change
  • States would retain the right to adopt, amend, enforce, or repeal State laws and regulations pertaining to the emission of greenhouse gases