S.J.Res.31 — 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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".
House Roll Call
S.J.Res.31
| Bill | S.J.Res.31 — 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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act". |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Passage |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 216 / Nay 212 / Present 0 / Not Voting 4 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 216 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| D | 0 | 211 | 0 | 1 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Passage
Bill Analysis
SJRES 31, enacted as Public Law No: 119-20, is a joint resolution that disapproves a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the reclassification of major sources of hazardous air pollutants as area sources under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. This rule was intended to provide regulatory flexibility for certain industrial facilities, allowing them to operate under less stringent emissions controls if they meet specific criteria.
The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which permits Congress to overturn federal regulations by a simple majority vote. By disapproving this rule, Congress effectively nullifies the EPA’s regulatory framework that would have allowed for the reclassification of major sources, which include large industrial facilities such as power plants and chemical manufacturing plants, to area sources, which are subject to less rigorous standards.
The primary agencies affected by this resolution are the EPA and the industries regulated under the Clean Air Act. The disapproval impacts facilities that would have benefited from the reclassification, as they will remain subject to the more stringent regulations applicable to major sources. This decision is significant for air quality management and public health, as it maintains stricter oversight of emissions from these facilities.
The resolution was introduced and passed in the 119th Congress, with the latest action occurring on May 16, 2023, when it was signed into law. This timeline indicates a rapid legislative process, reflecting the urgency and priority placed on air quality issues by Congress. The stakeholders who benefit from this disapproval include environmental advocacy groups and communities concerned about air pollution, while the industries that would have gained from the relaxed regulations face continued compliance costs and operational restrictions.
Yea (216)
K
Ken Calvert
S
Scott Franklin
M
Mark Green
L
Lisa McClain
J
John Rutherford
P
Pete Sessions
Nay (212)
J
Jason Crow
L
Lloyd Doggett
J
John Garamendi
J
John Mannion
L
Lucy McBath
E
Eric Swalwell
R
Rashida Tlaib
N
Nydia Velázquez
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
