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 "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 14
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-15T13:56:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 14) aims to block a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule focuses on reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—chemicals used in refrigerants, air conditioners, and other products that contribute to global warming—under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020. By disapproving the rule, Congress seeks to prevent it from being implemented.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution formally disapproves the EPA's rule titled "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020," published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 82682).
- Nullification: If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, meaning the EPA could not enforce its requirements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend or create new laws; instead, it invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a 1996 law that allows Congress to overturn recent federal agency rules with a simple majority vote and the president's signature (or veto override).
- It would block the EPA's planned restrictions on HFC production, use, and substitutes, effectively maintaining the status quo from prior regulations under the AIM Act without these additional controls.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the EPA's ability to regulate HFCs through this specific rule, potentially requiring the agency to revise or abandon related efforts. It reinforces Congress's oversight role over executive branch regulations.
- On Citizens: Could delay or prevent stricter environmental protections against climate-changing chemicals, affecting air quality and public health in areas reliant on HFC-using products like cooling systems. However, it might reduce compliance costs for consumers and businesses using these products.
- On International Relations: The AIM Act aligns U.S. policy with the global Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (an international treaty phasing down HFCs). Blocking this rule could slow U.S. progress toward international climate commitments, potentially straining relations with allies focused on environmental goals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly impacted as the rule's enforcer; disapproval would hinder its regulatory authority.
- HFC Manufacturers and Users: Industries like refrigeration, automotive, and manufacturing benefit from avoided restrictions on production and substitutes, potentially lowering costs.
- Environmental and Climate Advocacy Groups: Adversely affected, as they support HFC reductions to combat global warming.
- Congress and Lawmakers: Strengthens congressional influence over agency actions, particularly for those opposing expansive regulations.
- General Public and Businesses: Indirectly influenced through changes in product availability, costs, and environmental protections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA, which has a 60-day window for Congress to review and disapprove rules. If enacted, it provides a fast-track mechanism to invalidate agency actions without full judicial review.
- Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, allowing the legislative branch to check executive overreach, but it could raise debates about Congress micromanaging specialized agencies like the EPA.
- Political: Introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) in the 119th Congress (2025), this reflects partisan divides on environmental regulation—often used by opponents of Biden administration policies to roll back rules, potentially setting a precedent for future congressional interventions in climate policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-02-05: 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 Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)