A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Approval; Montana; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

Bill Number

S.J.Res. 119

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Last Updated

2026-03-12T18:50:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 119) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question approves Montana's state plan to address "regional haze," which refers to reduced visibility in protected areas like national parks caused by air pollution from sources such as power plants and industrial emissions. This action is taken under 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 final rule titled "Air Plan Approval; Montana; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period," published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 54586).
• Nullification: If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, preventing its implementation.
• Legislative Process: Introduced in the Senate on March 9, 2026, by Senator Whitehouse and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for review.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This resolution does not amend existing statutes but invokes the CRA to reverse an administrative action. Without this disapproval, the EPA's approval would integrate Montana's haze plan into federal air quality regulations under the Clean Air Act.
• It effectively blocks the EPA's endorsement of Montana's updated plan for the 2021-2026 period, potentially requiring the state to revise or revert to prior haze control measures.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The EPA's authority to approve state air plans could be challenged, leading to delays in similar approvals nationwide and increased congressional scrutiny of environmental rules.
• On Citizens: Residents of Montana and visitors to affected areas (e.g., national parks) might face unchanged or worsened air visibility and health risks from pollution if alternative plans are not quickly implemented.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though regional haze can involve cross-border pollution sources; nullifying the plan might indirectly affect U.S. commitments under international environmental agreements.
• Broader Effects: Industries like energy production and mining in Montana could benefit from less stringent regulations, but environmental protection efforts might stall, potentially increasing pollution levels.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal and State Governments: EPA and Montana state agencies responsible for air quality planning.
• Environmental Groups: Organizations advocating for cleaner air, such as those focused on national park preservation, who may oppose the disapproval.
• Industry and Businesses: Energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors in Montana that could face reduced regulatory burdens.
• Citizens and Communities: Local populations exposed to air pollution, including those in rural and wilderness areas.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on the CRA, which provides a fast-track mechanism for Congress to veto agency rules within 60 legislative days of submission, without needing presidential approval if passed by both chambers. This could lead to litigation if environmental advocates challenge the resolution's validity.
• Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, affirming Congress's oversight role over executive agencies like the EPA, but raises questions about the balance between federal environmental mandates and state flexibility.
• Political: Demonstrates partisan or regional tensions in environmental policy; disapproval might signal broader resistance to EPA regulations, influencing future air quality rulemaking and elections in affected states.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
• 2026-03-09: Introduced in Senate

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 Air Plan Approval; Montana; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period. — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (2 pages)