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 Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI)".
H.J. Res. 18 is a joint resolution introduced in the House that uses the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of title 5, U.S.C.) to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule titled “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI).” If enacted by both chambers and signed into law, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule, meaning it would have no legal effect and would not be enforceable. The rule in question was published on October 30, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 86418). The resolution is sponsored by Mr. Palmer and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. In practical terms, passage of this joint resolution would block the EPA’s LCRI enhancements to the lead and copper drinking water regulations, leaving the prior regulatory framework in place instead of adopting the EPA’s improvements.
Key Points
- 1The bill uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove a recent EPA rule. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect.
- 2The EPA rule being disapproved is “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI),” published October 30, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 86418).
- 3The bill is a joint resolution, which must be passed by both the House and Senate and then signed into law by the President to take effect.
- 4If the resolution becomes law, EPA would not implement the LCRI improvements and would revert to or continue with prior lead and copper drinking water standards.
- 5The stated purpose is to express Congress’s disapproval of the EPA’s LCRI rule, signaling a legislative stance against the proposed changes to drinking water regulations for lead and copper.