Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against the Biden Administration, leading a coalition of 23 states in a lawsuit targeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit challenges a Final Rule adopted by the EPA that introduces a Methane Tax affecting the oil and gas industry.
The EPA's proposal, part of the Inflation Reduction Act introduced in January 2024, seeks to impose this tax on energy producers with the aim of generating "climate benefits." Attorney General Paxton argues that these regulations are not only detrimental policy but also exceed the agency's statutory authority, labeling them as arbitrary and capricious actions.
Following the announcement of this rule by the Biden Administration, Paxton joined forces with other state Attorneys General to urge the EPA to withdraw what they consider unlawful regulations that would place an undue burden on America's energy sector. With the issuance of a Final Rule by the EPA, Paxton has moved forward with litigation to prevent its implementation.
"Over the past four years I have opposed the Biden Administration more than 100 times to stop its radical attempts to undermine the law. I am positive this last-minute effort to harm the energy industry will be halted as well," stated Attorney General Paxton. "In only four days, when President-elect Trump resumes office, America will no longer be burdened by a runaway bureaucracy intent on destroying our liberties."