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 introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants related to rubber tire manufacturing. The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA rule, which was published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024. If passed, the resolution would prevent the EPA regulation from taking effect.
The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations. The CRA provides a mechanism for Congress to check the power of the executive branch in implementing regulations.
The disapproval is sponsored by Mr. Griffith and several other representatives, indicating a congressional effort to push back against the EPA's regulatory actions in the rubber tire manufacturing sector.
Expected Effects
If H.J.Res.61 is enacted, the EPA rule regarding National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing will be nullified. This means the existing regulations, or lack thereof, will remain in place.
The rubber tire manufacturing industry would not be subject to the new EPA standards outlined in the disapproved rule. This could lead to potentially higher emissions of hazardous air pollutants from these facilities.
The EPA would be prevented from enforcing the specific regulations outlined in the disapproved rule unless they issue a new rule that is not disapproved by Congress.
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 too burdensome.
- Affirms congressional oversight of executive agency regulations, reinforcing the separation of powers.
- Could encourage the EPA to work more collaboratively with industry stakeholders in developing future regulations.
- May foster innovation in emission control technologies if companies are not locked into specific mandated technologies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased emissions of hazardous air pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing facilities, negatively impacting air quality.
- May increase health risks for communities located near these facilities due to higher levels of pollution.
- Could undermine efforts to reduce industrial pollution and protect the environment.
- May set a precedent for Congress to easily overturn environmental regulations, potentially weakening environmental protections.
- Could damage the United States' international reputation on environmental issues.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act, which is itself a product of congressional legislation. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress, giving it the authority to enact laws and oversee the implementation of those laws by executive agencies.
The resolution represents an exercise of congressional oversight, a power implied in the Constitution's structure of checks and balances. By disapproving an agency rule, Congress is asserting its role in shaping policy and ensuring that executive actions align with legislative intent.
However, the resolution's impact on environmental protection could be debated in terms of the 'general Welfare' clause of the Preamble. While the resolution itself is procedurally constitutional, its potential effects on public health and the environment raise questions about whether it truly promotes the general welfare.
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).