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 "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision".
Blocking California's Pollution Rules for Docked Ships
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works received this resolution on August 6, 2026. It has not moved since that date and remains under committee review. Most bills do not receive a committee vote, so it is unclear if this will move forward.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Very unlikely to pass
This is a partisan effort to overturn an agency rule, which rarely succeeds without control of both Congress and the White House.
Key Points
This resolution uses a special law to try and cancel a decision made by the EPA. The EPA had previously given California permission to set its own strict rules for how much pollution large ships can release while they are parked at docks.
If this passes, shipping companies would not have to follow California's specific rules for ship engines. Instead, they would follow general federal standards, which could save those companies money on equipment and fuel.
Supporters of the resolution argue that one state should not be able to set rules that affect international trade and shipping costs for the whole country. They believe these rules make it harder for businesses to operate.
People living near busy ports would be affected because these rules were designed to reduce smog and harmful chemicals in their air. If the rules are blocked, those environmental protections would disappear.
The resolution was sent to a Senate committee for review. For it to become law, it must pass both the Senate and the House and then be signed by the president.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Aug 6, 2026Senate
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.
Aug 6, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
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 "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision".
Bill NumberSJRES 209
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.