Richard Hudson (R-NC)
Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act
A Republican bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act" seeks to prevent Federal agencies from using specific greenhouse gas cost estimates in their decision-making processes. It prohibits agencies from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or any other greenhouse gas when performing cost-benefit analyses or issuing new rules and guidance. The bill defines these social costs through various historical and technical documents provided by the government. Additionally, the Act requires Federal agencies to submit reports to specific Congressional committees regarding their past use of these cost metrics since January 2009.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires federal agencies to submit detailed reports to Congress regarding their past use of social cost metrics.
- Scored +2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill may reduce regulatory burdens on businesses by preventing agencies from using greenhouse gas social costs to justify new regulations.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
By prohibiting agencies from considering the social cost of greenhouse gases, the bill removes a primary economic justification for regulating and reducing carbon emissions.
- Scored -4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The prohibition of social cost metrics may weaken the ability of agencies to protect the environment through impactful regulations.
- Scored -2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Limiting the use of greenhouse gas social costs in regulations could reduce the government's ability to mitigate environmental impacts that disproportionately affect low-income communities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Prohibition of social cost considerations in agency actions: This provision prevents Federal agencies from including the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or other greenhouse gases in cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analyses, rulemakings, or the issuance of guidance (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restriction of regulatory analysis: Federal agencies would be prohibited from using social cost estimates as a justification for any rulemaking, guidance document, or agency action (Section 3).
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Prohibition of cost-benefit analysis factors: Agencies would no longer be able to include the social cost of carbon, methane, or nitrous oxide as part of any cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analysis required under any law or specific Executive Orders (Section 3, Subsection 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — By prohibiting agencies from considering the social cost of greenhouse gases, the bill removes a primary economic justification for regulating and reducing carbon emissions. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The prohibition of social cost metrics may weaken the ability of agencies to protect the environment through impactful regulations.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Limiting the use of greenhouse gas social costs in regulations could reduce the government's ability to mitigate environmental impacts that disproportionately affect low-income communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Reduced environmental regulation could negatively impact urban areas that are often more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and pollution.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires federal agencies to submit detailed reports to Congress regarding their past use of social cost metrics.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill may reduce regulatory burdens on businesses by preventing agencies from using greenhouse gas social costs to justify new regulations.
- 9/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/1/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Troy BaldersonRepublican · Ohio
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida
August PflugerRepublican · Texas