Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 30
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T04:11:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 30) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule focuses on gradually reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other applications that are potent greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law allowing Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's rule titled "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020," published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 82682).
- Nullification: If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, preventing the EPA from enforcing its requirements on HFC production, use, and substitutes.
- Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2025, by Rep. Dunn of Florida (along with cosponsors), and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution would reverse the EPA's implementation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which authorizes the agency to phase down HFCs to protect the environment.
- Under the CRA, successful disapproval prevents the EPA from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new congressional authorization, effectively altering the regulatory landscape by blocking these specific HFC management measures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA would lose authority to implement this rule, potentially delaying or halting related enforcement actions and requiring redirection of resources to other priorities.
- On Citizens: Could slow efforts to reduce HFC emissions, which might prolong exposure to climate change effects like warmer temperatures and extreme weather; however, it may reduce short-term costs for consumers in industries reliant on HFCs (e.g., lower prices for appliances).
- On International Relations: The U.S. is a party to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to phase down HFCs globally; blocking this rule could hinder U.S. compliance and cooperation with other nations on climate goals.
- Broader Economic Effects: Industries using HFCs (e.g., manufacturing, automotive) might face fewer restrictions, potentially boosting short-term economic activity but risking long-term environmental costs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly impacted as the rule's issuer; enforcement would be blocked.
- Chemical and Manufacturing Industries: Producers and users of HFCs and substitutes benefit from reduced regulations, including companies in refrigeration, foam production, and aerosols.
- Environmental and Climate Advocacy Groups: Adversely affected, as they support HFC phase-downs to combat global warming.
- Congress and Lawmakers: Demonstrates congressional oversight of executive agency actions, particularly those from the current administration.
- General Public and Businesses: Indirectly influenced through environmental protection, energy costs, and compliance burdens.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), a streamlined process for Congress to review and veto agency rules within a set timeframe after submission; if enacted, it would set a precedent for overriding EPA climate regulations without court challenges.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's Article I powers to legislate and oversee the executive branch, checking what some view as regulatory overreach by agencies.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on environmental policy; introduced by Republican lawmakers, it signals opposition to Biden-era EPA rules, potentially influencing future debates on climate legislation and executive authority. If vetoed by the President, Congress could attempt an override, escalating political tensions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-01-24: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-24: 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 "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020". — issued 2025-01-24 — PDF (2 pages)