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Congress·In Progress·S.J.Res. 139

Colorado Air Quality: Blocking EPA Rejection of State Haze Plan

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 Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

5 days ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

Senate
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President
Law

Key Points

  • This resolution aims to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from throwing out Colorado's plan to reduce air pollution. The EPA had previously rejected the state's proposal for handling "regional haze," which is the smog that makes it hard to see clearly in national parks and wilderness areas.
  • If this measure becomes law, the EPA's rejection would have no power. This would allow Colorado to follow its own state-developed rules for cutting emissions from large industrial sites and power plants rather than being forced to meet different federal requirements.
  • The debate centers on how quickly and strictly the state should have to clean up its air to protect views in places like Rocky Mountain National Park. While the EPA argued the state's plan was too weak, local leaders behind this resolution believe the state's approach is the best way to manage the local environment and economy.
  • This action uses a special law that lets Congress vote to cancel rules made by government agencies. If it passes both the House and Senate and is signed, the EPA would be blocked from making a similar rule in the future unless Congress passes a new law specifically allowing it.

Milestones

2 milestones4 actions
Mar 19, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 364.

Mar 19, 2026Senate

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

Mar 19, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Mar 19, 2026

Introduced in Senate

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

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 Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

Bill NumberSJRES 139
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 364.
Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 2

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