Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 76
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-17T16:03:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 76) aims to block a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that updates regulations for reviewing new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA is a federal law that gives the EPA authority to regulate chemicals that could pose risks to human health or the environment. The resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a process allowing Congress to overturn certain agency rules shortly after they are finalized.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's rule titled "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 102773).
- No Force or Effect: If passed, the rule would be nullified and could not be implemented or enforced by the EPA.
- Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the House of Representatives on March 10, 2025, by Rep. Higgins of Louisiana and Rep. Timmons, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend TSCA or other statutes directly but invokes the CRA to override the EPA's regulatory update.
- It would prevent the EPA's proposed changes—such as streamlined review processes for new chemical submissions—from taking effect, maintaining the prior regulatory framework for pre-market notifications of new chemicals under TSCA Section 5.
- No new laws are created; instead, it reverses an administrative rule, effectively preserving the status quo from before December 2024.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA would be unable to enforce the updated rule, potentially delaying or altering its chemical safety review processes and requiring reliance on older guidelines.
- On Citizens and Environment: Could slow down or limit new protections against potentially hazardous chemicals entering the market, affecting public health and environmental safeguards, though it maintains existing (pre-update) standards.
- On Industry: Chemical manufacturers and importers might face continued use of the prior, possibly more burdensome, notification requirements, impacting innovation and compliance costs without the EPA's intended efficiencies.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could influence U.S. alignment with global chemical safety standards (e.g., those from the United Nations), as TSCA rules help meet international obligations.
Main Stakeholders
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly affected as the rule's issuer; disapproval would limit its regulatory authority under TSCA.
- Chemical Industry and Manufacturers: Businesses submitting new chemical notices to the EPA, who may benefit from or oppose the rule's updates based on compliance burdens.
- Environmental and Public Health Advocacy Groups: Organizations concerned with chemical safety, who might view the disapproval as a setback to stronger protections.
- Congress and Lawmakers: Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, particularly those focused on energy, commerce, and regulatory oversight.
- General Public: Individuals potentially exposed to new chemicals through consumer products, workplaces, or the environment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code), which provides a fast-track mechanism for Congress to review and veto agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission. If enacted, it would set a legal precedent for congressional intervention in EPA rulemaking without needing presidential approval (though the president can veto the resolution).
- Constitutional: Reinforces the separation of powers by allowing the legislative branch to check executive agency actions, upholding Congress's role in overseeing delegated authority under laws like TSCA.
- Political: Highlights partisan or bipartisan tensions over environmental regulation, with potential to signal broader congressional intent to curb EPA expansions. As an introduced resolution, its passage would depend on legislative majorities and could influence future agency rulemaking caution.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-10: 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 "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)". — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (2 pages)