A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

Key Points

• Sen. Whitehouse introduced a measure to stop a new EPA rule regarding air quality in Indiana. The rule in question approved Indiana's "Regional Haze" plan, which is a strategy to reduce the pollution that clouds the air in national parks and large open spaces.
• This action uses a specific law that allows lawmakers to vote down agency rules they disagree with. If this resolution passes, the EPA's approval of Indiana's plan would be erased, forcing the agency and the state to start over or face stricter federal requirements.
• The core issue is whether Indiana is doing enough to limit smoke and chemicals from power plants and factories. While the EPA originally said Indiana's plan was acceptable, this challenge suggests some lawmakers believe the state needs to do more to protect public health and clear the air.
• If successful, this could lead to tougher restrictions on Indiana's industrial companies. This would likely improve air quality for people living nearby and in states downwind, but it could also increase operating costs for the businesses required to install new pollution-cleaning technology.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.