Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 87
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-15
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-15.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:38:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency rules) to disapprove a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule. The goal is to prevent the rule from taking effect, thereby blocking California's ability to enforce stricter state-level pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles and related equipment.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's "Notice of Decision" rule, published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 20688). This rule had granted California a waiver from federal preemption (meaning federal law normally overrides state rules on vehicle emissions, but the waiver allows California to set tougher standards).
- Nullification: The disapproved rule is declared to have "no force or effect," meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.
- Scope of the Rule: The targeted EPA action covers California's standards on:
- Heavy-duty vehicle and engine emission warranties and maintenance.
- Advanced Clean Trucks (requiring more zero-emission trucks).
- Zero-Emission Airport Shuttles.
- Zero-Emission Power Train Certification.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reverses EPA Waiver: Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA can grant waivers allowing California to adopt vehicle emission standards stricter than federal ones. This resolution overrides that waiver, reinstating federal preemption and preventing California's specific rules from applying nationwide or in adopting states.
- No New Legislation: This does not create new laws but uses an existing procedural tool (Congressional Review Act, Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to strike down an agency action, effectively restoring the status quo before the EPA's 2023 decision.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA loses authority over this waiver, potentially limiting its flexibility in future state-federal environmental partnerships. It may increase congressional oversight of agency rulemaking.
- On Citizens: Could delay or prevent reductions in air pollution from heavy-duty vehicles (like trucks and shuttles) in California and other states, affecting public health in areas with high emissions. Conversely, it might reduce regulatory burdens on vehicle owners and operators.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. alignment with global emission standards (e.g., for electric or zero-emission vehicles) if California's rules had pushed manufacturers toward international norms.
- Broader Effects: May slow the transition to cleaner vehicles, impacting climate goals, but could lower short-term costs for industries reliant on traditional engines.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly challenged, as its rulemaking authority is overridden.
- State of California: Loses the ability to enforce its advanced emission standards, affecting state environmental agencies and air quality goals.
- Vehicle Manufacturers and Trucking Industry: Benefits from reduced compliance requirements for zero-emission technologies, potentially lowering costs but limiting innovation incentives.
- Environmental and Public Health Groups: Adversely affected, as they advocated for the waiver to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
- Consumers and Citizens: In California and adopting states, may face ongoing higher pollution levels; nationwide, could influence vehicle prices and fuel efficiency.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the Congressional Review Act, a rare but powerful tool (used successfully about 20 times since 1996) that allows simple majorities in Congress to nullify rules without presidential veto override in some cases. It raises questions about the balance between agency expertise and congressional control.
- Constitutional: Touches on federalism (division of power between federal government and states), as it limits California's unique authority under the Clean Air Act to lead on emissions. No direct constitutional challenges noted, but it could prompt lawsuits over state rights.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on environmental regulation, with this resolution likely reflecting opposition to aggressive climate policies. It sets a precedent for using the CRA against Biden-era EPA actions, potentially influencing future sessions of Congress on similar rules.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (24)
Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Kiley, Kevin [R-CA-3], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2], Rep. Moore, Riley [R-WV-2], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-15.
- 2025-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-15.
- 2025-06-12: Signed by President.
- 2025-06-12: Signed by President.
- 2025-06-06: Presented to President.
- 2025-06-06: Presented to President.
- 2025-05-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-05-22: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 45. Record Vote Number: 279. (Roll call 279)
- 2025-05-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 45. Record Vote Number: 279. (Roll call 279)
- 2025-05-22: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S3102, S3105)
- 2025-05-22: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 278. (Roll call 278)
- 2025-05-21: Received in the Senate, read twice.
- 2025-04-30: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-04-30: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 191 (Roll no. 111). (text: CR H1741) (Roll call 111)
- 2025-04-30: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 191 (Roll no. 111). (text: CR H1741: 6) (Roll call 111)
Bill Versions
- Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision". — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (4 pages)
- Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision". — issued 2025-05-30 — PDF (1 pages)
- Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision". — issued 2025-04-02 — PDF (2 pages)
- Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision". — issued 2025-05-21 — PDF (2 pages)