H.J.Res.46 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1); Revision to the Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.46 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule concerns the regulation of Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA's rule, preventing it from taking effect.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.J.Res.46 would prevent the EPA from enforcing its revised regulations on Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) under TSCA. This would leave the regulation of these chemicals in its previous state, prior to the EPA's revision. The practical effect is that the chemicals would be regulated under the older rules, or potentially not regulated as strictly.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces compliance costs for businesses that use these chemicals.
- May prevent disruptions in industries that rely on these chemicals if the new regulations are deemed overly restrictive.
- Could allow for further scientific review and public input on the regulation of these chemicals.
- Reinforces congressional oversight of executive agency rulemaking.
- Supports industries that believe the EPA's rule is overly burdensome or not scientifically justified.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased environmental and public health risks if the EPA's rule was designed to address legitimate concerns about the chemicals' toxicity.
- May undermine the EPA's ability to regulate toxic substances effectively.
- Could create uncertainty for businesses that have already begun to comply with the new regulations.
- May be perceived as weakening environmental protections.
- Could negatively impact public trust in the government's ability to protect them from harmful chemicals.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the principle of congressional oversight of executive agencies, as established in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is filed, is a mechanism for Congress to check the power of the executive branch in implementing regulations. The resolution itself does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
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).