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SJRES 188

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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".

119th Congress Introduced by Sheldon Whitehouse

Congress would disapprove the EPA coal- and oil-fired utility NESHAP repeal rule, voiding it and preventing its effect.

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 135. (CR S2509)
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Bill Summary · SJRES 188

Summary of SJRES 188 (119th Congress)

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code) of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to disapprove the EPA rule titled: “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal.”
  • Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress may disapprove a federal regulation within a certain period after publication and thereby nullify the rule. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • The resolution explicitly states Congress’s disapproval of the EPA rule cited as 91 Fed. Reg. 9088 (February 24, 2026).
  • Upon enactment, the rule would be void and have no legal effect.
  • This resolution does not itself rewrite or replace EPA standards; it prevents the referenced rule from taking effect.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Affects the EPA rule governing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units.
  • If passed, regulatory actions or compliance obligations associated with the Final Repeal rule would be halted, preserving preexisting standards or delaying the repeal that the EPA had proposed to finalize.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced in the Senate by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (co-sponsor listed).
  • The bill (SJRES 188) would use the CRA process to disapprove the EPA rule within the CRA’s statutory window.
  • Current action history:
    • Read twice in the Senate.
    • Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (as of the date of introduction, April 27, 2026).
  • No additional procedural steps are specified in the text provided; passage would require approval in both chambers of Congress and no presidential veto.

5) Additional Context

  • This mechanism is part of a broader congressional tool to block federal regulatory actions after they are finalized, by passing a joint resolution of disapproval.
  • The sponsor and the date indicate consideration during the 2026 session.

If you’d like, I can add a concise bullet-point impact assessment for stakeholders (industry, environmental groups, utilities) or compare this to prior CRA disapproval actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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