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 "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
- S.J.Res. 46
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T15:50:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 46) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule granted California a waiver from federal preemption, allowing the state to enforce stricter pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. These standards promote advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and zero-emission power train certifications, as outlined in the Clean Air Act.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's "Notice of Decision" published on April 6, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 20688), which approved California's standards on vehicle emissions, warranties, maintenance, and zero-emission requirements.
- No Force or Effect: If passed, the rule would be voided, preventing its implementation nationwide or in states adopting California's standards.
- Congressional Review Act Invocation: This uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law allowing Congress to overturn federal agency rules within a set period after submission, requiring simple majorities in both chambers and presidential approval (or veto override).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reverses EPA Waiver: Under the Clean Air Act, states like California can seek waivers from federal emission standards to set tougher rules, but this resolution would block that specific waiver, reverting to uniform federal standards without the advanced clean truck mandates.
- Limits State Authority: It would eliminate California's ability to lead on heavy-duty vehicle emission reductions, potentially standardizing regulations at the federal level and reducing flexibility for states to adopt innovative zero-emission policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA would lose authority over this waiver, possibly leading to more congressional oversight of similar future rules. It could strain relations between federal and state environmental agencies.
- On Citizens: Vehicle owners, especially in California and adopting states, might face delayed transitions to cleaner heavy-duty trucks and shuttles, potentially increasing air pollution exposure in urban areas. It could also affect maintenance costs and warranty expectations for engines.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it might influence U.S. commitments to global climate goals (e.g., reducing emissions from transport), as California's standards align with international pushes for zero-emission vehicles.
- Broader Economy: Trucking and manufacturing industries could see reduced regulatory burdens, but delays in zero-emission tech adoption might slow innovation and job growth in green sectors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Groups and California State Government: They would lose tools to enforce stricter emission controls, potentially hindering air quality improvements.
- Automotive and Trucking Industries: Manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles might benefit from uniform federal rules but face uncertainty in transitioning to zero-emission technologies.
- Federal Agencies (EPA): Reduced discretion in granting state waivers, affecting enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
- Citizens in Polluted Areas: Particularly in California, where heavy-duty vehicles contribute to smog and health issues like respiratory diseases.
- Co-Sponsors (Republican Senators): Introduced by Sens. Fischer, Capito, and others, reflecting interests in states with strong agriculture, energy, or manufacturing sectors reliant on traditional vehicles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the CRA, which has a "lookback" window for reviewing rules; success would set a precedent for Congress overriding EPA decisions on state waivers, potentially leading to court challenges over federalism (balance of state vs. federal power).
- Constitutional: Raises questions about separation of powers, as it checks executive agency actions, but could be seen as Congress reclaiming authority delegated under the Clean Air Act.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on environmental regulation—co-sponsored by Republican senators from energy-producing states, it opposes Biden-era EPA policies favoring state-led climate action. If enacted, it might fuel debates on national vs. state environmental standards, especially amid elections.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-04-04: 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 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 2025-04-04 — PDF (2 pages)