Summary: SJRES 46 — Congressional Disapproval under the CRA of EPA Rule on California Emission Standards
Purpose
SJRES 46 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S.C.) that would disapprove a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule related to California’s motor vehicle and engine pollution standards. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect.
- The rule being disapproved is the EPA’s rule concerning California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision. The federal register reference for the rule is 88 Fed. Reg. 20688 (April 6, 2023).
Key Provisions and Changes
- The bill would explicitly disapprove EPA’s rule listed above under the Congressional Review Act.
- Upon enactment, the rule would be considered void and would have no force or effect.
- This action would prevent the EPA from implementing or enforcing the disapproved rule as written.
Who/What Would Be Affected
- The primary impact is on the regulatory framework governing California’s advanced emission standards and related programs for heavy-duty vehicles and engines, including:
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission standards
- Emission warranty and maintenance provisions
- Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program
- Zero Emission Airport Shuttle rules
- Zero-Emission Power Train Certification
- Waiver of Preemption and related decision notices
- States, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders involved in heavy-duty vehicles and California’s regulatory waivers could be affected by the potential removal or nullification of these EPA-California authority provisions.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Introduced in the Senate on April 4, 2025.
- Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsor: Deb Fischer (primary), with a broad group of cosponsors including Deb Fischer and multiple Republican senators (e.g., Ted Cruz, John Barrasso, Mike Lee, Lindsey Graham not listed here, etc.). Notable cosponsors include Tom Cotton, Rick Scott, John Kennedy, Jim Inhofe not listed, and others.
- Related legislation: HJRES 87 is identified as a companion measure in the House.
Context and Related Information
- This action is part of the broader congressional oversight and oversight-toolkit under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to disapprove agency rules issued in the final months of a presidential administration or otherwise challenged by Congress.
- The companion House bill (HJRES 87) indicates parallel legislative activity in the House.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
- If SJRES 46 becomes law, California’s ability to enforce or continue with the referenced standards and programs could be blocked at the federal level, potentially affecting the pace and scope of heavy-duty emissions regulation and related technology mandates in California.
- The disapproval could influence discussions on federalism, state authority under the Clean Air Act, and interstate vehicle standards.
- Enactment would require the President’s signature or a veto override, consistent with CRA procedures.
Related bill: HJRES 87 (companion bill in the House).
