Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 26
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 26) aims to block a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, by using the Congressional Review Act (a law that lets Congress quickly overturn certain federal agency regulations).
Key Provisions
- Congress formally disapproves the EPA's rule titled "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles--Phase 3," which was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 29440).
- The rule is declared to have no legal force or effect, meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend existing laws but invokes the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to nullify the EPA rule before it fully takes effect.
- It prevents the EPA from enforcing new, stricter standards for greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles starting in model year 2027, reverting to prior standards.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA loses authority to implement this emissions rule, potentially requiring the agency to redirect resources and face legal challenges from supporters of the rule.
- On Citizens: Could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, affecting air quality and contributing to climate change; may also influence vehicle costs and fuel efficiency for consumers and businesses relying on trucks.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could signal U.S. policy shifts on climate commitments, potentially straining relations with countries pushing for global emissions reductions.
- Broader economic effects might include lower compliance costs for the trucking industry but delayed environmental benefits.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- EPA and Federal Regulators: Directly challenged in their rulemaking authority.
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle Manufacturers and Trucking Industry: Benefit from avoided costs of upgrading vehicles to meet stricter emissions standards.
- Environmental Groups and Public Health Advocates: Adversely affected, as the rule aimed to reduce pollution linked to health issues like respiratory diseases.
- Consumers and Businesses: Mixed impacts—potential savings on vehicle prices but ongoing exposure to higher emissions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the Congressional Review Act, which allows simple majorities in Congress (and presidential signature or veto override) to repeal rules submitted within 60 legislative days; once disapproved, the rule and similar future ones on the same topic cannot be reissued without new congressional approval.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight of executive branch agencies under Article I, balancing separation of powers by checking regulatory overreach.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on environmental regulation, as such resolutions often pass along party lines; introduced in the 119th Congress (starting 2025), it reflects efforts to roll back Biden-era climate policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-01-22: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3". — issued 2025-01-22 — PDF (2 pages)