Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes".
- Sponsor
- Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 20, 2026
Bottom line
H.J. Res. 157 is a legislative attempt to block the Environmental Protection Agency's latest Renewable Fuel Standard regulations, effectively maintaining prior RFS requirements or creating regulatory uncertainty.
What it actually does
This joint resolution, introduced under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), expresses congressional disapproval of a final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA rule pertains to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program, specifically setting standards for renewable fuel volumes for 2026 and 2027, and includes a partial waiver for the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement, along with other related changes. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the EPA's rule, preventing it from taking effect.
Proponents argue
Proponents of this resolution argue that the EPA's rule imposes unreasonable or unachievable renewable fuel volume requirements, particularly for cellulosic biofuels, or that the rule's overall structure is detrimental to specific sectors of the economy, such as the refining industry, or to consumers. They may contend that the EPA exceeded its statutory authority or failed to adequately consider economic impacts, and that congressional disapproval is necessary to correct regulatory overreach and protect affected industries or energy prices.
Opponents contend
Opponents of this resolution, who support the EPA's rule, would argue that the rule is a carefully considered and necessary step to promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure energy independence as mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. They would assert that the EPA's standards are achievable and provide the necessary market signals for biofuel production, and that overturning the rule would undermine environmental goals, harm the biofuel industry, and create regulatory instability.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read. However, understanding its implications requires familiarity with the complex underlying EPA rule and the broader Renewable Fuel Standard program.
Section 1
Disapproval of EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program Rule
This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the Environmental Protection Agency's final rule titled "Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes," which was published on April 1, 2026. By disapproving the rule, the resolution declares that the EPA's regulation will have no legal force or effect, effectively preventing its implementation and requiring the EPA to potentially revert to previous standards or issue a new rule.
Supporters argue
Supporters of disapproving the rule argue that the EPA's set volumes are either too high, economically unfeasible, or place undue burden on refiners, potentially leading to higher fuel costs for consumers. They may also argue that the rule's partial waiver for cellulosic biofuels is insufficient or that the overall program needs a more fundamental legislative overhaul rather than administrative adjustments.
Critics contend
Opponents of the resolution contend that the EPA's rule represents a balanced approach to meeting statutory renewable fuel targets while considering market realities. They argue that nullifying the rule would create regulatory chaos, undermine investment in renewable fuels, and hinder progress towards energy independence and climate goals. They would assert that the rule's standards are necessary to drive innovation and expansion in the biofuel sector.
Tradeoffs
The provision highlights the ongoing tension between promoting renewable fuels for environmental and energy security benefits and managing the economic impacts on the petroleum industry and consumers. It also reflects the legislative branch's attempt to exert control over executive agency rulemaking, balancing administrative expertise with congressional oversight.