Summary of SJRES 31

Overview

Bill Number: SJRES 31

Title: 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".

Status: Signed by President on June 20, 2025

Introduced: March 6, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJRES 31 aims to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the reclassification of major sources of air pollution as area sources under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The intent of this resolution is to prevent the implementation of the EPA's rule, which was published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2024.

Key Provisions

• Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly states that Congress disapproves the EPA's rule regarding the reclassification of major sources as area sources, thereby rendering the rule without force or effect.
• Legal Basis: The disapproval is enacted under chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which provides Congress the authority to reject certain agency rules.

Impact

• Affected Entities: The resolution primarily impacts the Environmental Protection Agency and entities that would have been subject to the reclassification under the disputed rule. This includes industries and facilities classified as major sources of air pollution.
• Regulatory Environment: By disapproving the rule, the resolution maintains the existing regulatory framework for major sources of air pollution, potentially affecting compliance requirements and enforcement actions.

Legislative Process

• Timeline of Actions:
  • March 6, 2025: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • April 30, 2025: Motion to proceed to consideration agreed upon in the Senate.
  • May 1, 2025: Passed the Senate without amendment by a vote of 52-46.
  • May 22, 2025: Passed the House by a narrow margin of 216-212.
  • June 10, 2025: Presented to the President.
  • June 20, 2025: Signed into law, becoming Public Law No: 119-20.

Sponsors

The resolution was primarily sponsored by John Curtis, with additional support from cosponsors including:
- John Hoeven
- Shelley Moore Capito
- Dan Sullivan
- Kevin Cramer
- Cynthia M. Lummis

Related Legislation

• HRES 426: A companion resolution related to the consideration of SJRES 31.
• HJRES 79: Another related joint resolution.

This summary provides a concise overview of SJRES 31, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the legislative process leading to its enactment.