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 "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020".

119th Congress Introduced by Roger Marshall

Disapprove and void the EPA's HFC phasedown rule under the AIM Act via the CRA, returning HFC regulation to pre-rule status unless Congress acts.

Introduced in Senate

SJRES 14 — Summary

Overview

SJRES 14 is a Senate joint resolution introduced on February 5, 2025, that uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule. If enacted, the resolution would render the EPA’s rule on phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 ineffective and without force or effect.

What the bill does

Disapproves the EPA rule titled: “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.”

Specifically cites the rule published at 89 Fed. Reg. 82682 (October 11, 2024).

States that, upon enactment, the rule “shall have no force or effect.”

Applies under the Congressional Review Act, meaning Congress would overturn this particular rule and preclude it from taking effect unless Congress later enacts new legislation.

Key provisions and changes

The primary operative provision is disapproval of the EPA rule and nullification of its effects.

The action targets a single rule, not a broad change to broader environmental or regulatory statutes, and relies on the CRA to stop the rule from implementing its HFC phasedown provisions.

The resolution does not amend the AIM Act itself; it voids the EPA rule implementing that Act’s provisions as of the rule’s effective date.

Affected parties and scope

Affects EPA regulatory actions related to HFC management and substitutes under the AIM Act of 2020.

Industries and stakeholders regulated by the rule (e.g., manufacturers, importers, distributors of HFCs, and users of HFC-containing equipment) would be impacted by the rule being nullified, returning to pre-rule regulatory status for HFC phasedown unless and until a different rule or legislative action changes the regime.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate on February 5, 2025.

Senate action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Related companion bills in the House: H.J.Res. 30 and H.J.Res. 38.

Primary sponsor: Senator Roger Marshall.

Background and context

The rule in question implements HFC phasedowns under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, as finalized by the EPA in October 2024.

The CRA process allows Congress to halt federal regulatory actions by passing a joint resolution of disapproval, which the President may sign or veto, with potential for later legislative action to revise or replace the rule.

Potential impact and considerations

If enacted, stakeholders must operate under the pre-rule regulatory framework for HFCs or await new actions from Congress or the EPA.

The resolution reflects ongoing legislative debate around HFC regulation, environmental policy, and federal regulatory control.

For readers seeking deeper detail, review the specific EPA rule (89 Fed. Reg. 82682) and the related companion joint resolutions (HJRes 30, HJRes 38) for House consideration.