Methane Pollution Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29]
Introduced
Summary
Imposes royalties on all methane produced from new federal and Outer Continental Shelf leases. It would count methane that is vented, flared, consumed, or lost during upstream operations as royalty-bearing production and anchor enforcement to the Bureau of Land Management's April 10, 2024 waste-prevention rule.
Show full summary
- Energy companies and leaseholders would owe royalties on all produced methane, including gas lost to venting or flaring. Three narrow exceptions apply: emergency venting up to 48 hours, gas used within the lease area, and unavoidably lost gas.
- Local communities and public health interests would see rule changes limited. The bill bars the BLM Director from finalizing a June 24, 2026 proposed rule or other revisions unless the Director certifies the alternative will further reduce waste or improve air quality and public health.
- The Director of the Bureau of Land Management would enforce these royalty rules and must follow the cited 2024 waste-prevention framework when measuring and regulating waste.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher methane royalties for leases
If enacted, leases issued after the date of enactment would owe royalties on all gas produced from Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf. Royalties would apply to gas that is consumed or lost by venting, flaring, or negligent releases during upstream operations. Exceptions would include gas vented or flared for 48 hours or less in an emergency that threatens health, safety, or the environment; gas used within the lease/unit/communitized area for its benefit; and gas that is unavoidably lost. This change would apply only to leases issued after enactment.
Limits on BLM methane rules
If enacted, the BLM would be required to keep enforcing its April 10, 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule. The BLM would not be allowed to finalize the June 24, 2026 proposed royalty rule. The BLM would also not be able to change the April 10, 2024 rule unless it certifies the new rule will further reduce gas waste or improve air quality and public health. These limits would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
CA • D
Sponsored 8/6/2026
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 8/6/2026
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
CA • D
Sponsored 8/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov