H.J.Res.26 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.26 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3. The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from having any legal force or effect. The rule in question is identified as 89 Fed. Reg. 29440, published on April 22, 2024.
The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), codified in chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to review and potentially disapprove of agency regulations.
If passed, this resolution would effectively block the implementation of the EPA's Phase 3 emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.J.Res.26 would prevent the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3 from taking effect. This would mean that the heavy-duty vehicle industry would not be subject to the new, potentially more stringent emissions requirements outlined in the disapproved rule.
The practical effect would be a continuation of the existing emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, at least until the EPA promulgates a new rule or Congress enacts legislation addressing the issue. This could impact air quality and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
It would also signal a check on the EPA's regulatory authority by Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for the heavy-duty vehicle industry, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers.
- May prevent disruptions in the supply chain for heavy-duty vehicles if the new standards are deemed too challenging to meet.
- Could protect jobs in industries that rely on heavy-duty vehicles if the new standards are seen as economically harmful.
- Might allow for a more gradual transition to cleaner vehicle technologies, giving manufacturers more time to adapt.
- Could prevent unintended consequences of the rule, if any, that were not fully considered during the rulemaking process.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to climate change.
- May slow down the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies, hindering efforts to improve air quality.
- Could undermine the EPA's authority to regulate emissions and protect public health.
- May result in missed opportunities to reduce pollution and improve fuel efficiency in the transportation sector.
- Could negatively impact public health, particularly in communities located near major transportation corridors.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative powers under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is being considered, is a mechanism by which Congress can oversee and check the power of the Executive Branch agencies, ensuring that they do not exceed the authority delegated to them by Congress.
Disapproving an agency rule falls within Congress's power to make laws and to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The resolution itself does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
However, the underlying EPA rule, and the debate surrounding its disapproval, may touch upon broader constitutional considerations related to environmental regulation and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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).