HJRES 89119th CongressBecame Law

Providing 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 and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".

Introduced: Apr 2, 2025

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule titled “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision,” published January 6, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 643). If enacted, the measure would render that EPA rule null and void, meaning it would have no force or effect. In practical terms, Congress would be blocking EPA’s attempt to approve California’s stricter motor vehicle and nonroad engine pollution standards (including a comprehensive Low NOX regulation and a waiver of federal preemption that would allow California to enforce those standards). The bill is currently introduced in the 119th Congress, with sponsor information not provided.

Key Points

1Mechanism: The bill is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5 U.S.C.) designed to disapprove a specific EPA rule. If enacted, the rule is invalidated and cannot take effect.
2Rule in question: EPA’s rule related to California’s motor vehicle and engine pollution standards, the Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, and the associated waiver of federal preemption.
3Effect of passage: Once enacted, the rule would have no force or effect, effectively blocking California’s stricter standards and any EPA waiver decision tied to that rule.
4Rule’s publication: The EPA rule being challenged is cited as 90 Federal Register 643, published January 6, 2025.
5Status and sponsorship: The measure is introduced as H.J.Res.89 in the 119th Congress; sponsorship is not provided in the text.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- California state agencies (e.g., California Air Resources Board) and California motorists, as well as automobile and engine manufacturers subject to California’s stricter standards and the Omnibus Low NOX rule.Secondary group/area affected- Other states that adopt California’s standards or rely on similar stricter emissions rules, along with the broader auto and nonroad equipment manufacturing industry.Additional impacts- Federal regulatory landscape: EPA and the administration’s ability to set or approve California’s stringent standards would be curtailed for this rule, potentially affecting interstate emissions policy and compliance costs.- Economic and environmental considerations: Blocking the rule could maintain baseline (federal) emissions standards, potentially affecting NOX reductions, air quality goals, and costs for manufacturers and consumers seeking cleaner technologies. It could also impact ongoing/state-federal regulatory coordination and potential future litigation or policy shifts.

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