H.J.Res. 205119th CongressIntroduced Jul 23, 2026

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 Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption for California's Advanced Clean Car Program and a Within the Scope Confirmation for California's Zero Emission Vehicle Amendments for 2017 and Earlier Model Years".

IntroducedEnvironmental ProtectionMajor

Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 23, 2026

Bottom line

This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to revoke an EPA waiver that permits California to set its own stricter vehicle emissions standards, effectively eliminating those state-specific regulations.

What it actually does

This joint resolution seeks to nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2013. The rule granted California a waiver under the Clean Air Act, allowing it to implement its Advanced Clean Car Program and Zero Emission Vehicle amendments for 2017 and earlier model years, which set stricter vehicle emissions standards than federal requirements. If enacted, this resolution would prevent California from enforcing these specific state-level emissions standards, thereby impacting vehicle manufacturers and consumers nationwide.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that disapproving the EPA waiver would restore a uniform national standard for vehicle emissions, reducing regulatory complexity and costs for auto manufacturers, which could translate to lower vehicle prices for consumers. They may also contend that California's standards are overly burdensome, stifle innovation, and are not necessary given federal emissions regulations.

Opponents contend

Opponents contend that disapproving the waiver would undermine states' rights to address local environmental concerns and reduce air pollution, particularly in states that choose to adopt California's stricter standards. They argue that California's Advanced Clean Car Program has been instrumental in driving technological advancements in cleaner vehicles and that revoking the waiver would hinder efforts to combat climate change and improve public health.

The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, but understanding its implications requires knowledge of the Clean Air Act, EPA waivers, and state-federal environmental policy.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives... That Congress disapproves the rule...

Disapproval of EPA Waiver for California's Advanced Clean Car Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the EPA rule published on January 9, 2013, which granted California a waiver to implement its own stricter motor vehicle pollution control standards, including its Advanced Clean Car Program and Zero Emission Vehicle requirements. By disapproving this rule, the resolution aims to invalidate the EPA's decision, thereby preventing California from enforcing these specific state-level emissions standards for 2017 and earlier model years.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState of California and other states adopting California's standardsImpactLoss of authority to enforce specific stricter vehicle emissions standards.MechanismCongressional disapproval under the CRA nullifies the EPA waiver.ScaleSignificant, as California's standards historically influence national auto markets and other states.

GroupAutomobile ManufacturersImpactReduced regulatory burden by eliminating the need to comply with California's specific standards for 2017 and earlier models.MechanismUniform federal standards would apply.ScalePotentially significant, simplifying production lines and compliance costs.

GroupConsumersImpactPotential impact on vehicle availability, cost, and environmental performance.MechanismManufacturers might offer fewer ZEV options or different pricing strategies if standards are relaxed.ScaleBroad, affecting vehicle choices and potentially air quality.

GroupEnvironmental Advocates and Public Health OrganizationsImpactNegative impact on efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.MechanismLess stringent emissions standards could lead to higher emissions.ScaleBroad, impacting air quality and public health in affected regions.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this disapproval promotes regulatory harmonization across states, reducing the compliance burden on manufacturers and potentially lowering vehicle costs. They contend that a single federal standard is more efficient and that California's waiver creates an uneven playing field.

Critics contend

Opponents argue that this action undermines states' rights to protect their environment and public health, especially given California's unique air quality challenges and its historical role in driving cleaner vehicle technology. They assert that revoking the waiver would roll back progress on emissions reductions.

Tradeoffs

The resolution balances the desire for national regulatory uniformity and reduced industry burden against states' rights to set stricter environmental standards and the potential for greater environmental protection.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.