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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 24
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T15:52:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) aims to block a new rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sets stricter limits on hazardous air pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing facilities. It uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency rules) to declare the rule invalid before it can be enforced.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's rule titled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing," published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 94886).
- No Force or Effect: If passed, the rule would be nullified and could not be implemented or enforced by the EPA.
- Introduction Details: Introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2025, by Senator Scott of South Carolina, along with cosponsors including Senators Wicker, Graham, Capito, Blackburn, Hyde-Smith, and Sheehy. Referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend or create new laws but invokes the Congressional Review Act to override a specific EPA regulation.
- It would prevent updates to the Clean Air Act's standards for hazardous air pollutants (like chemicals that can harm health, such as benzene or formaldehyde) in the tire manufacturing sector, maintaining current, less stringent emission limits instead of the proposed tighter controls.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA would lose authority to enforce the new standards, potentially limiting its regulatory reach on industrial emissions and requiring it to redirect resources elsewhere.
- On Citizens: Could result in higher levels of hazardous air pollutants near tire manufacturing plants, potentially affecting public health in those communities (e.g., increased risks of respiratory issues or cancer from prolonged exposure). However, it might reduce compliance costs that could indirectly raise consumer prices for tires.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could signal U.S. policy shifts toward less stringent environmental regulations, possibly influencing trade or environmental agreements with countries focused on global pollution standards.
- Broader Economic Effects: Benefits the rubber tire industry by avoiding new compliance costs (estimated in the billions over time), but may draw criticism from environmental advocates concerned about air quality.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rubber Tire Manufacturers: Primary beneficiaries, as they avoid new emission control requirements that could increase operational costs for equipment upgrades or monitoring.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directly challenged, limiting its ability to update pollution standards under the Clean Air Act.
- Environmental and Health Advocacy Groups: Adversely affected, as the rule aimed to reduce toxic emissions; they may oppose the resolution to protect air quality.
- Local Communities Near Facilities: Residents in areas with tire plants (e.g., in the Southeast U.S.) could face ongoing exposure to pollutants without the new safeguards.
- Congress and Policymakers: Highlights partisan divides, with Republican sponsors likely viewing it as deregulation to support industry.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the Congressional Review Act (enacted in 1996), which gives Congress a "lookback" window to disapprove rules with a simple majority vote (and potential presidential veto override). If successful, it permanently bars the EPA from issuing a "substantially similar" rule without new congressional approval.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight role over executive agencies (separation of powers), but could be seen as limiting the executive branch's authority to implement environmental laws passed by Congress.
- Political: Introduced by Republican senators, it reflects efforts to curb perceived regulatory overreach by the Biden administration's EPA. Passage would require bipartisan support or a change in presidential administration, underscoring tensions between industry interests and environmental protection priorities. No direct constitutional challenges noted in the text, but it could invite lawsuits from affected parties if enacted.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-02-25: 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 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (2 pages)