HJRES 30119th CongressIn Committee

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020".

Introduced: Jan 24, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] (R-Florida)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution uses Congress’s authority under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s October 11, 2024 final rule on the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and the management of certain HFCs and substitutes under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act). If enacted, the measure would nullify that EPA rule and render it without force or effect. In effect, Congress would be blocking EPA’s planned regulatory pathway to reduce HFC production and use through phasedown schedules and substitute management. The underlying AIM Act gives EPA authority to regulate HFCs and their substitutes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The disapproval would mean that the specific regulatory approach laid out in the October 2024 rule would not take effect, and EPA would need to consider alternative regulatory actions consistent with existing law or Congress’s future direction.

Key Points

1Disapproved rule and citation: The resolution targets EPA’s rule titled “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020,” published as 89 Fed. Reg. 82682 on October 11, 2024.
2Legal mechanism: The disapproval is carried out under Chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code (the Congressional Review Act). If Congress passes this joint resolution and it is signed into law (or overridden if vetoed), the rule has no force or effect.
3Status and process: The resolution was introduced in the House on January 24, 2025, with sponsorship listed as Representatives Dunn (FL) and others. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. No Senate action is indicated in the text provided.
4Scope: The measure applies specifically to the EPA rule cited above and does not repeal or modify other EPA rules or broader AIM Act authorities beyond disapproving this particular rule.
5Consequences for EPA and policy trajectory: With the rule disapproved, EPA would not implement the phasedown provisions or related management measures for HFCs outlined in that rule. EPA could, however, pursue different regulatory options or legislative changes consistent with the AIM Act if Congress directs, or respond to future policy debates about HFCs and substitutes.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Industries that use, manufacture, import, or export HFCs and related refrigerants or foam blowing agents (e.g., HVAC/R equipment makers, refrigerant distributors, insulation manufacturers, service technicians). These actors would not face the specific phasedown schedule and substitute management rules proposed in the October 2024 EPA rule.Secondary group/area affected- Environmental and public health policy stakeholders who advocate for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. They may see a slower or changed pace of HFC reductions if the disapproval delays or alters EPA’s regulatory approach.Additional impacts- Climate and emissions: By preventing this particular phasedown rule from taking effect, there could be a delay in reducing HFC emissions compared with EPA’s proposed rule, potentially affecting short- to mid-term greenhouse gas reduction goals tied to HFCs.- Regulatory certainty and market dynamics: Businesses may experience certainty changes—avoiding the specific requirements of the October 2024 rule but needing to respond to existing regulations or any future actions. This may influence investment decisions, supplier choices, and costs related to compliance and substitution options.- Legislative/regulatory trajectory: The resolution does not abolish EPA authority over HFCs under the AIM Act; it only blocks this specific rule. Congress may pursue other directions, including new legislation or different regulatory proposals, to address HFCs and substitutes.HFCs are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam insulation, and certain manufacturing processes. The AIM Act of 2020 authorizes EPA to phasedown these substances and manage substitutes to reduce environmental impact.The CRA provides a quick legislative mechanism for Congress to overturn new federal regulations; if adopted, the overturned rule is treated as if it never took effect.

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