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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".
Trump Signs Resolution Blocking EPA Rule on Industrial Air Pollution Standards
Signed Into Law
This legislation has been enacted.
Legislative Progress
216–212
Key Points
- Congress is using its power to cancel a specific rule created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule, which was finalized in September 2024, changed how the government regulates large industrial plants like factories and refineries that release hazardous air pollutants.
- This action affects large industrial facilities. By blocking the EPA rule, these companies may find it easier to be classified as "small" pollution sources rather than "major" ones. Small sources are generally subject to fewer inspections and less expensive pollution control requirements than major sources.
- The debate centers on whether big polluters should always be held to the strictest standards. Supporters of the EPA rule wanted to keep strict limits on these plants forever, while Congress is moving to allow plants to face lighter regulations if they can prove they have lowered their total emissions.
- Because this is a formal disapproval, the EPA is now forbidden from issuing a similar rule in the future unless Congress passes a new law specifically allowing it. This creates a long-term change in how the government can regulate industrial air polluters.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small and mid-sized industrial facility owners benefit because the blocked EPA rule would have made it harder for them to reclassify from 'major source' to 'area source' status under the Clean Air Act. Without the rule, facilities that have reduced their emissions can qualify for less burdensome regulatory requirements, saving on compliance costs like pollution control equipment, monitoring, and reporting.
Disabilities
State Impacts
Milestones
Became Public Law No: 119-20.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Signed by President.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Presented to President.
Both chambers passed identical text. The President has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 212 (Roll no. 143).
Vote Results
3 votesOn the Motion to Proceed
On the Joint Resolution
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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(5)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.