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 for Coke Ovens: Pushing, Quenching, and Battery Stacks, and Coke Oven Batteries; Residual Risk and Technology Review, and Periodic Technology Review."
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 66
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T12:42:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 66) aims to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule sets national standards for hazardous air pollutants from coke ovens, which are industrial facilities used in steel production to process coal into coke. By disapproving the rule, Congress seeks to prevent it from taking effect, using a process known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA allows Congress to overturn recent federal agency rules with a simple majority vote and the president's signature (or veto override).
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the EPA's rule titled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Coke Ovens: Pushing, Quenching, and Battery Stacks, and Coke Oven Batteries; Residual Risk and Technology Review, and Periodic Technology Review," published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 29997).
- Nullification: If passed, the rule "shall have no force or effect," meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.
- Legislative Process: Introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2025, 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 override an administrative rule. The EPA rule itself updates standards under the Clean Air Act, including reviews of residual risks (remaining health dangers after initial controls) and technology advancements for controlling emissions during coke production processes like pushing (ejecting coke from ovens), quenching (cooling with water), and battery stack operations.
- If successful, it blocks these updates, maintaining older emission limits and preventing new requirements for pollution controls, monitoring, or reporting by coke oven operators.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the EPA's ability to enforce stricter air quality regulations in this sector, potentially reducing the agency's regulatory workload but also hindering efforts to meet broader Clean Air Act goals for reducing hazardous pollutants like benzene and arsenic, which are linked to cancer and respiratory issues.
- On Citizens: Could lead to higher exposure to hazardous air pollutants in communities near coke oven facilities, potentially increasing health risks. Conversely, it might stabilize jobs and costs in affected industries, indirectly benefiting local economies.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect U.S. compliance with global environmental agreements on air pollution and industrial emissions, such as those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Coke Oven Industry and Steel Producers: Primary beneficiaries, as the disapproval avoids new compliance costs for upgraded pollution controls and technology.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Faces a setback in implementing Clean Air Act mandates, potentially requiring future rulemaking efforts.
- Environmental and Public Health Groups: Adversely affected, as they advocate for tighter standards to protect air quality and reduce pollution-related illnesses.
- Local Communities and Workers: Residents near facilities may face ongoing pollution risks, while industry workers could see preserved operations without added safety or emission mandates.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Reinforces congressional oversight of executive agency actions, but could lead to legal challenges or future EPA adjustments funded by public resources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA, a 1996 law that streamlines congressional reversal of agency rules within a 60-day window (legislative days). Success would set a precedent for using the CRA against environmental regulations, but the rule could not be reissued in substantially similar form without new congressional approval.
- Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, allowing the legislative branch to check executive agency actions under Article I, though critics might argue it undermines administrative expertise in technical areas like emissions standards.
- Political: Introduced by a Democratic senator, it reflects partisan divides on environmental policy; passage would require bipartisan support or alignment with the administration, potentially signaling shifts in industrial regulation amid economic pressures on manufacturing sectors. If vetoed, it could escalate to a veto override battle.
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
- 2025-07-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-07-22: 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 for Coke Ovens: Pushing, Quenching, and Battery Stacks, and Coke Oven Batteries; Residual Risk and Technology Review, and Periodic Technology Review. — issued 2025-07-22 — PDF (2 pages)