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 House of Representatives aimed at disapproving a rule issued 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. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from having any legal force or effect.
The resolution is enacted under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which provides a mechanism for Congress to review and disapprove agency rules. This process is often used to check the power of the executive branch and ensure that regulations align with congressional intent.
The resolution reflects a potential conflict between Congress and the EPA regarding environmental regulations and their impact on specific industries.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.61 becomes law, the EPA's rule on National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for rubber tire manufacturing will be invalidated. This means the rubber tire manufacturing industry would not be subject to the specific regulations outlined in the disapproved rule.
This could lead to changes in air quality and environmental protection measures related to this industry. The practical effect would depend on whether the EPA issues a revised rule or if existing regulations remain in place.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce compliance costs for rubber tire manufacturers, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers.
- May prevent job losses in the rubber tire manufacturing industry if the EPA rule is considered overly burdensome.
- Could encourage domestic production by reducing regulatory hurdles.
- Could allow for more flexible or innovative approaches to emissions control, if the EPA rule is considered prescriptive.
- May prevent disruption to the supply chain of rubber tires.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead 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 environmental protection efforts and climate action goals.
- May set a precedent for disapproving other environmental regulations, potentially weakening environmental safeguards.
- Could harm the environment and biodiversity.
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 the Congress. Furthermore, the Congressional Review Act, under which this resolution is brought, is intended to provide a check on the power of the executive branch and its agencies, ensuring that regulations align with congressional intent.
The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties. However, the underlying EPA rule, and the resolution to disapprove it, could be subject to legal challenges based on statutory interpretation or administrative law principles.
The resolution itself is a valid legislative action, but the broader context of environmental regulation and its impact on various interests may raise constitutional considerations related to due process and the balance of powers.
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).