Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI)".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 44
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-15T15:00:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 44) aims to block a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that updates standards for lead and copper in drinking water. It uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law allowing Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules shortly after they are issued, to prevent the rule from being implemented.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of Specific Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's rule titled "National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI)," published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 86418).
- Nullification: If enacted, the rule would have no legal force or effect, stopping its enforcement nationwide.
- Congressional Process: Introduced in the House of Representatives on February 12, 2025, by Representative Clyde, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution would reverse the EPA's updates to the existing Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), originally established in 1991, which sets limits on lead and copper levels in public water systems to protect public health.
- The LCRI rule aimed to strengthen monitoring, treatment requirements, and replacement of lead service lines (pipes connecting water mains to homes). Disapproval would maintain the older, less stringent standards without these enhancements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA would be unable to enforce the new rule, potentially delaying or altering water quality programs. State and local water agencies might face reduced federal guidance on lead mitigation.
- On Citizens: Communities, especially those with older infrastructure or low-income households at higher risk of lead exposure (which can cause health issues like developmental delays in children), may continue facing elevated risks without the improved protections.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect U.S. standing in global environmental standards for water safety.
Main Stakeholders
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The federal agency issuing the rule, which would lose authority to implement the updates.
- Water Utilities and Local Governments: Public water systems responsible for compliance, who might avoid new costs for testing, treatment, and pipe replacements but continue under outdated rules.
- Public Health and Environmental Groups: Advocates for stricter regulations, such as those focused on preventing lead poisoning, who could see delayed improvements in drinking water safety.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Lawmakers using the CRA to check executive branch actions; citizens funding water infrastructure without the proposed enhancements.
- Affected Communities: Primarily low-income and minority populations in areas with lead pipes, who rely on federal rules for safer water.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code (the CRA), a streamlined process for Congress to review and veto agency rules without standard legislative hurdles like presidential signature (though the President can veto the resolution). If passed, it prevents judicial challenges to the rule by nullifying it outright.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight role over executive agencies under the separation of powers, ensuring elected representatives can curb regulatory actions seen as overreach.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on environmental regulation; disapproval could signal resistance to Biden-era EPA policies, potentially influencing future debates on public health versus regulatory costs. It requires simple majorities in both chambers and could face a presidential veto.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-12: 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 "National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI)". — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (2 pages)