Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) 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"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) 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; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) 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 and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.Res. 354
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-09-16: Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 707, H.Res. 354 is amended.
Last Updated: 2026-02-25T09:06:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 354 is a procedural resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that streamlines the debate and voting process for five specific joint resolutions. These joint resolutions aim to disapprove certain federal agency rules under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law allowing Congress to overturn recent agency regulations with a simple majority vote and presidential signature (or veto override). The resolution waives typical procedural hurdles to expedite consideration of these disapprovals, focusing on environmental and conservation rules related to national parks, endangered species, and vehicle emissions standards in California.

Key Provisions

Procedural Rules for First Set of Resolutions (Sections 1 and 2): Allows immediate consideration of two joint resolutions (H.J. Res. 60 and H.J. Res. 78) without standard objections (points of order). Treats the resolutions as already read, limits debate to one hour (split equally between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on Natural Resources or their designees), and permits only one motion to recommit (sending the bill back to committee). Advances each to final passage without further delays.
H.J. Res. 60: Disapproves a National Park Service rule on motor vehicle use in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (e.g., restrictions on off-road vehicles in this Utah-Arizona park).
H.J. Res. 78: Disapproves a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule listing the San Francisco Bay-Delta population of longfin smelt as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
Procedural Rules for Second Set of Resolutions (Sections 3 and 4): Applies similar streamlined procedures, but debate is controlled by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.J. Res. 87: Disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision granting California a waiver to enforce stricter heavy-duty vehicle emission standards, including warranties, zero-emission shuttles, and clean truck requirements.
H.J. Res. 88: Disapproves an EPA waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II rules, which promote zero-emission vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and light trucks.
H.J. Res. 89: Disapproves an EPA waiver for California's "Omnibus" Low NOX (nitrogen oxide) rules, targeting emissions from engines in vehicles and non-road equipment like construction machinery.
Calendar Adjustment (Section 5): Excludes days from April 29, 2025, to September 30, 2025, from counting as "legislative days" under House Rule XIII, clause 7. (This rule typically requires bills to "lie over" for three legislative days before certain actions; the exclusion speeds up the process by treating this period as non-legislative.)

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not directly amend laws but facilitates the use of the CRA to potentially nullify the specified agency rules. If the joint resolutions pass both chambers and are signed by the President (or vetoed and overridden), the disapproved rules would be voided and could not be reissued in substantially similar form without new congressional approval. This overrides the agencies' authority under existing statutes like the Clean Air Act (for EPA waivers) and the Endangered Species Act (for listings). No new laws are created; it reinforces Congress's oversight role over executive branch regulations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and EPA could lose authority to enforce these rules, requiring them to redirect resources (e.g., from compliance monitoring to alternative conservation efforts). This might delay or alter federal environmental protections in affected areas.
On Citizens: In Glen Canyon, vehicle access restrictions might be lifted, benefiting recreation users like off-road enthusiasts but potentially increasing environmental damage. Endangered species protections for longfin smelt could be removed, affecting fishing communities and water users in California's Bay-Delta region. Vehicle emission rules impact Californians and national auto markets by possibly slowing the shift to cleaner trucks and cars, leading to higher pollution levels and health risks from air quality issues.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though weakened U.S. emission standards could indirectly affect global climate efforts, as California's rules align with international agreements like the Paris Accord by promoting zero-emission technologies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Environmental and Conservation Groups: Likely oppose the disapprovals, as they support species protections and emission reductions to combat climate change and habitat loss.
Industry and Business Interests: Auto manufacturers, trucking companies, and off-road vehicle users may benefit from fewer regulations on emissions and park access, reducing compliance costs.
Local Communities and States: California residents and officials (who requested the EPA waivers) could face setbacks in state-led clean air initiatives. Farmers, fishers, and recreation seekers in the Bay-Delta and Glen Canyon areas are directly impacted by changes to species listings and vehicle rules.
Federal Agencies: National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and EPA, whose rulemaking authority is challenged.
Congress and the Public: Enhances congressional control over regulations but may polarize debates on environmental policy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Invokes the CRA, a 1996 law (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) designed for quick congressional review of agency actions. Successful disapprovals would legally invalidate the rules without court involvement, but challenges could arise if seen as infringing on states' rights (e.g., California's unique authority under the Clean Air Act to set stricter standards).
Constitutional: Reinforces the separation of powers by allowing Congress to check executive agencies, aligning with Article I's legislative authority. However, it could spark debates on federalism, as it overrides state-federal partnerships in environmental regulation.
Political: As a House resolution from the 119th Congress (potentially Republican-led, given the 2025 date), it signals partisan efforts to roll back Biden-era environmental rules. Passage in the Senate (requiring 51 votes) and presidential action would be key; a veto by a Democratic president could lead to overrides, highlighting divisions on climate policy. The procedural waivers limit minority party input, potentially increasing floor tensions.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]

Recent Actions

2025-09-16: Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 707, H.Res. 354 is amended.
2025-04-29: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-04-29: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 - 208 (Roll no. 106). (text: CR H1694) (Roll call 106)
2025-04-29: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 - 208 (Roll no. 106). (text: CR H1694) (Roll call 106)
2025-04-29: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 206 (Roll no. 105). (consideration: CR H1704-1705) (Roll call 105)
2025-04-29: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1704-1706)
2025-04-29: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 354, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2025-04-29: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 354.
2025-04-29: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H1693-1704)
2025-04-28: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 24.
2025-04-28: The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
2025-04-28: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-83, by Mr. Roy.
2025-04-28: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-83, by Mr. Roy.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) 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"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) 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; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) 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 and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The "Omnibus" Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (4 pages)
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) 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"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) 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; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) 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 and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The "Omnibus" Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (8 pages)