Sen. Whitehouse Introduces Resolution to Block EPA From Weakening Power Plant Pollution Rules
This resolution is currently waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It has been placed on the legislative calendar after moving out of committee. The bill is actively moving forward.
While this resolution has moved to the Senate calendar, it faces a difficult path because these challenges usually require a two-thirds majority to overcome a likely veto.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small businesses in the coal and oil power generation sector would continue to face the costs of complying with hazardous air pollutant standards if this resolution passes. While compliance is expensive, most affected plants are owned by large utilities rather than small operators, so the direct impact on small businesses is limited.
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 135. (CR S2509)
The Senate is voting on whether to even start debating this bill. This vote can be used to block bills before discussion begins.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 409.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
On the Motion to Proceed
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to nullify the EPA's recent repeal of mercury standards. The measure aims to reinstate stricter 2024 limits on hazardous air pollutants from power plants.
A resolution to overturn the EPA's repeal of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards was discharged from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today. The move, led by Democrats, sets up a floor vote on whether to reinstate stricter pollution limits for the power sector.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is leading a legislative effort to block the Trump administration's 'Final Repeal' of mercury standards. The resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to attempt to force the EPA to maintain 2024 standards that require continuous emissions monitoring.
No related bills recorded for this bill yet.
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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".
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