Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".
This bill is a joint resolution using the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule titled “Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).” If Congress enacts this disapproval, the EPA rule (published December 18, 2024 as 89 Fed. Reg. 102773) would be void and have no force or effect. In other words, the updated procedures for evaluating or regulating new chemicals under TSCA would not take effect, and the preexisting regulatory framework would remain in place unless Congress or the agency moves to adopt a different rule or statute. The resolution was introduced in the 119th Congress on March 10, 2025 by Rep. Higgins of Louisiana, with Rep. Timmons listed as a sponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Key Points
- 1Disapproval mechanism: The bill uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove a specific EPA rule and render it without force or effect if enacted.
- 2Rule targeted: The EPA’s rule “Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under TSCA,” published as 89 Fed. Reg. 102773 on December 18, 2024.
- 3Effect of enactment: Once enacted, the rule would be void; the EPA would not be able to enforce the updated provisions unless another rule or statute supersedes it.
- 4Status and process: Introduced in the House on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce; represents ongoing Congressional action to block the rule.
- 5Legal mechanism caveat: Under the Congressional Review Act, enforcement depends on passage of the joint resolution and potential presidential action (signature or veto, with potential override in Congress).