Bills of Congress May 21, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.J.Res.89 - 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 and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The Omnibus Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.J.Res.89 is a joint resolution passed by the House of Representatives and received in the Senate, disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule concerns California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, specifically the "Omnibus" Low NOX Regulation, waiver of preemption, and notice of decision. The resolution aims to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from having any force or effect.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.J.Res.89 would prevent the EPA's rule regarding California's pollution control standards from taking effect. This could lead to a divergence in environmental regulations between California and the federal government. It may also impact the stringency of vehicle emission standards nationwide, depending on the extent to which other states follow California's lead.

Potential Benefits 2/5

* Potentially lower vehicle costs if manufacturers don't have to meet California's stricter standards.
* Could prevent disruptions to the automotive industry caused by differing state and federal regulations.
* May allow for a more uniform national approach to emissions standards.
* Could reduce the administrative burden on businesses that operate across state lines.
* May lead to increased availability of certain vehicle models in states that do not adhere to California's standards.

Potential Disadvantages

* Potentially reduced air quality and increased pollution, especially in areas that would have benefited from California's stricter standards.
* May hinder efforts to combat climate change by slowing the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
* Could undermine California's ability to set its own environmental policies, as permitted under the Clean Air Act.
* May discourage innovation in emission control technologies if manufacturers focus on meeting less stringent federal standards.
* Could lead to increased health problems associated with air pollution, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Most Disadvantaged Areas:

Environmental Protection & Climate Action ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Public Health & Healthcare Access ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Economic Growth & Job Creation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

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. Specifically, it utilizes the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code) to disapprove an agency rule, a power delegated by Congress itself. There is no apparent conflict with other constitutional provisions, assuming the underlying EPA rule was itself a valid exercise of executive power delegated by statute.