Bills of Congress May 30, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.J.Res.87 - Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.J.Res.87 is a joint resolution passed by Congress to disapprove a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question relates to heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and power train certification, including a waiver of preemption. The resolution effectively nullifies the EPA rule, preventing it from having any legal force or effect.

Expected Effects

The disapproval of the EPA rule means that California's stricter emission standards for motor vehicles and engines, as outlined in the disapproved rule, will not be federally recognized or enforced. This could lead to a divergence in emission standards between California and other states, potentially impacting the automotive industry and air quality regulations nationwide.

Potential Benefits 2/5

* Potentially lower vehicle costs due to less stringent emission requirements.
* Reduced regulatory burden on manufacturers, allowing for more flexibility in production.
* May encourage innovation in alternative technologies if manufacturers are not constrained by specific emission standards.
* Could lead to more affordable transportation options for consumers.
* Potentially increased economic activity in industries related to traditional vehicle manufacturing.

Most Benefited Areas:

Business Prosperity & Innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

* Potential for increased air pollution and negative impacts on public health, especially in areas with high vehicle traffic.
* Hindered progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
* Reduced incentive for manufacturers to invest in and develop zero-emission vehicle technologies.
* Possible conflict between states with different emission standards, creating market inefficiencies.
* Undermining of California's ability to set its own environmental regulations, which could have broader implications for state autonomy.

Most Disadvantaged Areas:

Environmental Protection & Climate Action ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Public Health & Healthcare Access ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

International Standing & Cooperation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The resolution is an exercise of Congress's legislative power under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The disapproval of an agency rule falls under Congress's oversight authority and its ability to check the power of the executive branch. The specific mechanism for congressional disapproval is authorized under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, indicating a statutory basis for this action.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).