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Congress·Enacted·9 months ago

Trump Signs Resolution Blocking EPA Rule on Industrial Air Pollution Standards

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ Senate
✓ House

216–212

✓ President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Energy Environment

Milestones

9 milestones26 actions
Jun 20, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-20.

Jun 20, 2025

Signed by President.

Jun 10, 2025House

Presented to President.

May 22, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

May 22, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 212 (Roll no. 143).

Vote Results

3 votes
HousePassedPassageMay 22, 2025

On Passage

216
212
Democrat
0 – 211 · 1
Republican
216 – 1 · 3
View full roll call
SenatePassedProceduralApr 30, 2025

On the Motion to Proceed

52
40
Democrat
0 – 39 · 6
Republican
52 – 0 · 1
Independent
0 – 1 · 1
View full roll call
SenatePassedMay 1, 2025

On the Joint Resolution

52
46
Democrat
0 – 44 · 1
Republican
52 – 0 · 1
Independent
0 – 2
View full roll call

Related News

1 article
The Hill·over 1 year ago

Capito, GOP senators move to overturn Biden EPA air rule

Senate Republicans introduced a resolution to block a new EPA rule that tightens standards for industrial facilities. Lead sponsor Sen. Shelley Moore Capito argued the rule would 'stifle economic growth' by imposing major-source requirements on facilities that have lowered their emissions.

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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".

Bill NumberSJRES 31
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionBecame Public Law No: 119-20.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
R: 5

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.