2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Jun 27, 2025)

Technical corrections only. v2 updates the bill's status to reflect its placement on the Senate calendar after being discharged from committee by petition, and includes associated formatting changes like the calendar number. No substantive policy changes were made to the joint resolution.

S.J.Res. 60119th CongressIntroduced Jun 27, 2025

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 "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update".

Senate Committee DischargedEnvironmental ProtectionMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Committees: Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 16, 2025

This analysis was written for v1 (INTRODUCED IN SENATE, Jun 27, 2025). PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATE changed too little to need its own, so it reuses that one rather than a rewrite. The differences between the two are summarized above. View v1

Bottom line

S.J. Res. 60 uses the Congressional Review Act to overturn an EPA rule setting emissions budgets and allowance allocations for Indiana under a revised cross-state air pollution control program.

What it actually does

This joint resolution seeks to nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update." If enacted, the EPA rule (90 Fed. Reg. 21423 (May 20, 2025)) would have no legal effect, preventing its implementation and removing the associated federal requirements for Indiana's emissions.

Proponents argue

Proponents of this joint resolution argue that the EPA's rule imposes undue burdens on Indiana's energy sector and economy, potentially leading to increased energy costs or reduced industrial competitiveness. They might contend that the EPA exceeded its authority or that the rule is technically flawed, economically unsound, or unfairly targets Indiana, advocating for state-level control over emissions regulations or less stringent federal oversight.

Opponents contend

Opponents of this joint resolution argue that the EPA's rule is a necessary measure to protect public health and the environment by reducing harmful cross-state air pollution originating from Indiana. They would assert that the rule is based on sound science and legal authority, aiming to ensure cleaner air for downwind states and mitigate the health impacts of fine particulate matter and ozone, emphasizing the importance of federal action to address pollution that crosses state lines.

The bill text is extremely short and can be read in less than a minute, but understanding its implications requires knowledge of the underlying EPA rule and the Congressional Review Act.

Section 1

Disapproval of EPA Rule on Indiana Emissions

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the Environmental Protection Agency's rule titled "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update," which was published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2025. By disapproving the rule, the joint resolution declares that the EPA's regulation will have no legal force or effect, effectively preventing its implementation and removing any federal requirements it would have imposed.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)ImpactLoss of regulatory authorityMechanismCongressional disapproval under the CRAScaleSpecific to one rule for one state

GroupPower plants and industrial facilities in IndianaImpactAvoidance of new emissions reduction requirementsMechanismNullification of EPA ruleScaleSignificant for affected facilities

GroupResidents of Indiana and downwind statesImpactContinued exposure to air pollution or lack of anticipated air quality improvementsMechanismAbsence of federal emissions controlsScaleBroad public health and environmental implications

Supporters argue

Supporters of this disapproval argue that the EPA rule places an undue burden on Indiana's economy and energy producers, potentially leading to job losses or increased energy costs. They may also contend that the rule oversteps federal authority, infringing on states' rights to manage their own environmental regulations.

Critics contend

Opponents of this disapproval (i.e., supporters of the EPA rule) argue that the rule is essential for protecting public health and the environment, particularly for communities in downwind states affected by Indiana's emissions. They would assert that the EPA acted within its legal mandate to address interstate air pollution and that nullifying the rule would undermine efforts to improve air quality.

Tradeoffs

The provision highlights the tension between federal regulatory authority to address interstate pollution and concerns about economic impacts and state autonomy in environmental policy. It also balances the costs of compliance for industry against the public health benefits of cleaner air.

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.