Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".

Bill Number

H.J.Res. 27

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

2025-06-23T22:02:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 27) aims to block a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule on regulating trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in industrial processes. It uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules) to declare the rule invalid, preventing it from being enforced.

Key Provisions

• Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the EPA's final rule titled "Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 102568).
• Nullification: The rule is declared to have no legal force or effect, meaning it cannot be implemented or applied.
• Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the House of Representatives on January 22, 2025, by Representative Harshbarger (with co-sponsor Representative Miller-Meeks) and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This resolution does not amend the underlying Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which gives the EPA authority to regulate potentially harmful chemicals like TCE to protect public health and the environment.
• Instead, it overrides the EPA's specific regulatory action under TSCA by invoking the Congressional Review Act, effectively halting the new restrictions on TCE use, production, or distribution that the rule would have imposed. Without this resolution, the rule would have added enforceable limits or bans on TCE in certain applications.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The EPA would lose the ability to enforce this particular rule, potentially limiting its regulatory tools for addressing TCE-related risks. It could set a precedent for future congressional interventions in EPA actions.
• On Citizens and Public Health: Individuals exposed to TCE (e.g., workers in manufacturing or consumers via products) might face continued risks if the rule's protections—such as bans on high-risk uses—are not implemented. TCE is linked to health issues like cancer and neurological effects.
• On Industries and Economy: Businesses using TCE (e.g., in cleaning solvents or adhesives) would avoid compliance costs, potentially benefiting sectors like manufacturing but raising environmental concerns.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. alignment with global chemical safety standards, such as those from the United Nations, where TCE is flagged as hazardous.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly targeted, as its rulemaking authority is challenged.
• Chemical and Manufacturing Industries: Primary beneficiaries, as they avoid new regulations on TCE, a widely used solvent.
• Workers and Consumers: Potentially at higher risk without the rule's safeguards against TCE exposure.
• Environmental and Health Advocacy Groups: Likely opposed, as they support stricter controls on toxic chemicals.
• Congress and Taxpayers: Demonstrates congressional oversight, but could lead to debates over federal spending on enforcement or health protections.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on the Congressional Review Act, which allows "fast-track" disapproval of agency rules within a set period after submission. If passed and signed (or if a veto is overridden), it would legally void the rule without court involvement, though the EPA could pursue alternative regulations under TSCA.
• Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, with Congress checking executive branch agencies (like the EPA) to prevent overreach, but it could spark debates on whether such actions undermine expert-driven environmental protections.
• Political: Introduced in the 119th Congress (starting in 2025), it reflects partisan divides on regulation—often supported by those favoring deregulation to ease business burdens, while opposed by advocates for stronger environmental laws. Success depends on legislative majorities and potential presidential veto.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]

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 "Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)". — issued 2025-01-22 — PDF (2 pages)