Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate, aiming to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning South Dakota's Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period. The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code) to nullify the EPA rule, which is documented in the Federal Register (90 Fed. Reg. 41893). The disapproval, if enacted, would prevent the EPA's rule from taking effect.
Expected Effects
If the resolution is passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is not vetoed by the President, the EPA rule regarding South Dakota's Regional Haze Plan will be invalidated. This would mean that the specific requirements outlined in the disapproved rule would not be enforced. The state of South Dakota would likely need to revise its regional haze plan and resubmit it for EPA approval.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and state entities in South Dakota.
- May allow for more flexibility in addressing regional haze issues.
- Could potentially lead to lower compliance costs for affected industries.
- Might encourage a re-evaluation of the EPA's approach to regional haze plans.
- Could empower state governments to tailor environmental regulations to their specific needs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to a delay in improving air quality and visibility in South Dakota.
- May weaken environmental protections related to regional haze.
- Could potentially increase pollution levels in the affected areas.
- Might set a precedent for disapproving other environmental regulations.
- Could strain the relationship between the federal government and state governments regarding environmental policy.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative powers under Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in the Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is brought, is a mechanism by which Congress can review and disapprove agency rules, ensuring that agencies do not overstep their delegated authority. This aligns with the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances.
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).