H.J.Res.61 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.61 is a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress to disapprove a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants related to rubber tire manufacturing. The resolution specifically targets rule 89 Fed. Reg. 94886, published on November 29, 2024. The resolution states that the disapproved rule will have no force or effect.
This action utilizes the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations. By passing this resolution, Congress is asserting its authority to check the power of the executive branch and its agencies.
The resolution was passed during the first session of the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of H.J.Res.61 is that the EPA rule concerning National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing will not be implemented. This means that the specific regulations outlined in the rule will not be enforced on rubber tire manufacturing facilities.
This could lead to changes in air quality, public health outcomes, and the economic landscape for the rubber tire manufacturing industry. It also sets a precedent for future congressional oversight of EPA regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces compliance costs for rubber tire manufacturers, leading to increased profitability.
- May prevent job losses in the rubber tire manufacturing industry due to reduced regulatory burden.
- Could lead to lower prices for consumers on rubber tires due to decreased production costs.
- Reinforces congressional oversight of executive agencies, promoting a balance of power.
- May encourage the EPA to engage in more collaborative rulemaking processes in the future.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially leads to increased emissions of hazardous air pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing facilities.
- May negatively impact air quality and public health in communities near these facilities.
- Could undermine efforts to reduce environmental pollution and combat climate change.
- May create uncertainty for businesses that have already invested in compliance measures.
- Could set a precedent for weakening environmental regulations in other industries.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution was passed, is an exercise of Congress's power to oversee and check the actions of the executive branch, specifically its regulatory agencies like the EPA.
Furthermore, the resolution reflects the principle of separation of powers, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too dominant. By disapproving the EPA rule, Congress is asserting its role in shaping national policy and protecting its legislative prerogatives.
However, the resolution's impact on environmental protection could be viewed in light of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." Whether this disapproval ultimately serves the general welfare is a matter of ongoing debate.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).