H.J.Res.87 - Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.87 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question addresses heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related waivers of preemption. The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect.
The resolution was submitted by Mr. James and several co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The disapproval is pursued under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which provides a mechanism for Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations.
Essentially, this is an attempt by Congress to override an EPA regulation related to California's vehicle emission standards.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.87 is enacted, the EPA rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards would be invalidated. This would mean that the specific regulations concerning heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, and zero-emission vehicles would not be enforced.
California would likely face challenges in implementing its stricter emission standards, potentially impacting air quality and the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies. The broader effect could be a slowdown in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and a weakening of environmental regulations related to transportation.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for manufacturers, potentially lowering vehicle prices.
- May prevent disruptions to the supply chain and vehicle availability.
- Could allow for a more uniform national standard, simplifying regulations for businesses operating across state lines.
- Might protect industries reliant on traditional combustion engine technology.
- Could be seen as upholding congressional authority over regulatory agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased air pollution and associated health problems, especially in California.
- May hinder the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies and slow the transition to a zero-emission transportation sector.
- Could undermine California's ability to set stricter environmental standards, potentially weakening environmental protection nationwide.
- May negatively impact efforts to combat climate change.
- Could create uncertainty for businesses investing in clean vehicle technologies.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution invokes chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, which outlines Congress's authority to review and disapprove agency rules, suggesting an attempt to exercise legislative oversight. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress, which arguably includes the power to check the executive branch's regulatory actions.
However, the constitutional alignment depends on the specific legal justifications for disapproving the EPA rule and whether the rule itself is a valid exercise of the EPA's authority under existing environmental laws. The resolution's alignment with principles of federalism, particularly regarding California's ability to set its own environmental standards, is also a consideration.
Without a deeper legal analysis of the EPA rule and the grounds for disapproval, it's challenging to definitively assess the constitutional alignment.
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).