2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Jul 22, 2025)

Technical corrections only. v2 adds information about the resolution being discharged from committee by petition and placed on the Senate calendar, along with its calendar number. No substantive policy changes were made to the joint resolution itself.

S.J.Res. 65119th CongressIntroduced Jul 22, 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 "Air Plan Approval; Florida; Revisions to Stationary Sources-Removal of Clean Air Interstate Rule Provisions".

Senate Committee DischargedEnvironmental ProtectionSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Committees: Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 3, 2025

Bottom line

This resolution seeks to overturn an EPA rule that revised Florida's air quality plan by removing provisions related to the Clean Air Interstate Rule.

What it actually does

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA rule, published on July 7, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 29745), concerned "Air Plan Approval; Florida; Revisions to Stationary Sources--Removal of Clean Air Interstate Rule Provisions." If enacted, S.J. Res. 65 would nullify this EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect or continuing to have force.

Proponents argue

Proponents of S.J. Res. 65 would argue that the EPA's rule to remove Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) provisions from Florida's air plan is detrimental to air quality and public health, potentially increasing pollution from stationary sources. They would assert that the EPA's action undermines federal efforts to control interstate air pollution and that congressional disapproval is necessary to maintain environmental protections and ensure states adhere to robust standards.

Opponents contend

Opponents of S.J. Res. 65 (and thus proponents of the EPA rule) would likely argue that the EPA's action provides necessary regulatory relief or updates Florida's air plan to reflect current conditions or more appropriate regulatory frameworks, such as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) which superseded CAIR. They might contend that the rule streamlines compliance for stationary sources in Florida without compromising air quality, or that the original CAIR provisions are outdated and no longer relevant.

The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for any reader.

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 "Air Plan Approval; Florida; Revisions to Stationary Sources--Removal of Clean Air Interstate Rule Provisions" (90 Fed. Reg. 29745 (July 7, 2025)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.

Disapproval of EPA Rule on Florida Air Plan

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on July 7, 2025, concerning Florida's air quality plan. The EPA rule in question removed certain provisions related to the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) for stationary sources in Florida. By disapproving this rule, the joint resolution aims to nullify the EPA's action, effectively reinstating or preventing the removal of the CAIR-related provisions.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)ImpactLoss of regulatory authority over the specific rule; rule is nullified.MechanismCongressional disapproval under the CRA.ScaleSpecific to one EPA rule regarding Florida's air plan.

GroupStationary sources in Florida (e.g., power plants, industrial facilities)ImpactPotentially continued or reinstated obligations under CAIR-related provisions, depending on the original EPA rule's effect.MechanismNullification of the EPA rule that sought to remove these provisions.ScaleDirect impact on regulated entities in Florida.

GroupResidents of Florida and downwind statesImpactPotential impact on air quality, depending on the effectiveness of CAIR provisions.MechanismMaintenance of existing air pollution control requirements.ScaleBroad public health and environmental impact.

Supporters argue

Supporters of this disapproval argue that the EPA's rule weakens environmental protections by removing important Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) provisions from Florida's air plan. They contend that maintaining these provisions is crucial for reducing interstate air pollution, protecting public health, and ensuring that Florida's stationary sources contribute adequately to regional air quality improvements.

Critics contend

Opponents of this disapproval (i.e., those who support the EPA rule) would argue that the EPA's action was appropriate, perhaps because CAIR has been superseded by other regulations like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), or because the removed provisions were redundant or ineffective. They might contend that nullifying the EPA rule creates unnecessary regulatory burdens or conflicts with updated air quality management strategies.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension involves balancing regulatory flexibility for states and the EPA with the desire for robust, consistent federal oversight of air quality. Disapproving the rule prioritizes maintaining specific environmental safeguards, potentially at the cost of administrative streamlining or adapting to newer regulatory frameworks.

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.