5 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PUBLIC LAWcompared with ENROLLED BILL

Technical corrections only. The later version (v5) reflects the bill's status as a Public Law, including the approval date and legislative history, while v4 was the enrolled bill. There are no substantive changes to the operative text of the resolution itself.

H.J.Res. 61119th CongressIntroduced Feb 25, 2025

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing".

Became Public LawEnvironmental ProtectionMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: May 23, 2025

Bottom line

This resolution blocks new EPA air pollutant standards for rubber tire manufacturing, preventing new regulations on the industry and maintaining existing environmental standards.

What it actually does

This joint resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing." Upon approval, the EPA rule (89 Fed. Reg. 94886, November 29, 2024) is nullified and cannot take effect. Furthermore, the EPA is prohibited from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without specific congressional authorization.

Proponents argue

Proponents of the resolution argue that the EPA rule imposes unnecessary and burdensome regulations on the rubber tire manufacturing industry, leading to increased costs, reduced competitiveness, and potential job losses without significant environmental benefits. They contend that the rule exceeds the EPA's regulatory authority or is economically unsound, and that Congress is exercising its oversight power to prevent regulatory overreach.

Opponents contend

Opponents of the resolution (and proponents of the EPA rule) argue that the EPA rule is essential for protecting public health and the environment by reducing hazardous air pollutant emissions from rubber tire manufacturing facilities. They assert that these emissions pose risks to communities near these plants and that the rule is a necessary step to ensure cleaner air and safeguard workers and residents, and that blocking it undermines environmental protection efforts.

The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its direct action.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing'' (89 Fed. Reg. 94886 (November 29, 2024)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.

Disapproval of EPA Rule on Hazardous Air Pollutants for Rubber Tire Manufacturing

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision formally rejects and nullifies a specific regulatory rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule, which aimed to establish national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing, will not take effect. Furthermore, under the Congressional Review Act, the EPA is prevented from reissuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new legislative authorization.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupRubber Tire Manufacturing IndustryImpactAvoids new compliance costs and operational changes associated with stricter hazardous air pollutant emission standards.MechanismDirect nullification of the EPA rule.ScaleIndustry-wide, affecting all facilities subject to the original EPA rule.

GroupCommunities near Rubber Tire Manufacturing FacilitiesImpactContinued exposure to existing levels of hazardous air pollutants, foregoing potential health and environmental benefits from reduced emissions.MechanismAbsence of new regulatory requirements for emission reductions.ScaleLocalized, impacting populations in proximity to manufacturing plants.

GroupEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)ImpactLoss of regulatory authority over this specific area of air pollutant emissions for rubber tire manufacturing, and inability to issue similar rules in the future.MechanismCongressional disapproval under the CRA.ScaleSpecific to the rubber tire manufacturing sector.

Supporters argue

Supporters of the disapproval argue that the EPA's rule was an example of regulatory overreach, imposing undue financial burdens on the rubber tire manufacturing sector. They contend that the costs of compliance would outweigh the environmental benefits, potentially leading to economic hardship for businesses and consumers.

Critics contend

Opponents of the disapproval (and proponents of the EPA rule) argue that the rule was a necessary step to protect public health and the environment from hazardous air pollutants. They assert that the industry has a responsibility to reduce emissions and that the rule would have led to cleaner air and better health outcomes for workers and nearby communities.

Tradeoffs

The resolution highlights a tension between economic considerations for the rubber tire manufacturing industry (avoiding compliance costs) and environmental protection goals (reducing hazardous air pollutant emissions). It also reflects a broader debate about the appropriate scope of federal environmental regulation.

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.