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 "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Small Off-Road Engines Regulations; Notice of Decision".

119th Congress Introduced by John Barrasso and 8 co-sponsors

Congress would disapprove and nullify the EPA rule on California small off-road engine standards, erasing its effect if the resolution becomes law.

Introduced in Senate

Overview

Title: 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 “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Small Off-Road Engines Regulations; Notice of Decision”

Bill type: Joint resolution (Congressional disapproval)

Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session

Introduced: August 5, 2026

Sponsors: Senator Cynthia Lummis (primary) with co-sponsors including John Barrasso, Deb Fischer, Jon Husted, Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, Bernie Moreno

Main purpose and intent

The bill seeks to disapprove a specific EPA rule regarding California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards for Small Off-Road Engines, specifically the EPA’s “Notice of Decision” related to those standards.

If enacted, the resolution would nullify or have no force and effect the EPA rule identified in the Federal Register citation: 90 Fed. Reg. 640 (January 6, 2025).

Key provisions and changes

Legislative action: The resolution uses Congress’s power under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, to disapprove a federal agency rule.

Effect of passage: The rule titled “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Small Off-Road Engines Regulations; Notice of Decision” would be invalidated and would not have legal effect.

Scope: Applies specifically to the EPA rule cited (the California state nonroad engine standards for small off-road engines) and its associated Notice of Decision.

Who or what would be affected

Regulatory impact:

The EPA rule implementing or approving California’s standards for small off-road engines would be repealed in effect.
State-level regulatory expectations for nonroad engine pollution control in California would revert to prior federal standards or other applicable rules, depending on how the ruling interacts with ongoing regulations.

Stakeholders potentially affected:

California environmental and air quality regulators implementing nonroad engine standards.
Manufacturers and distributors of small off-road engines (e.g., lawn equipment, generators, hobbyist engines) subject to California or federal standards.
Potentially affected workers and industries tied to compliance, testing, and retrofitting equipment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative vehicle: Congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 (the process by which Congress disapproves a federal agency rule, effectively blocking it without veto power and preventing the rule from taking effect).

Status in the- Senate: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works as of August 5, 2026; no further action stated in the provided text.

Effective date if enacted: The text indicates the rule would have “no force or effect” upon enactment of the joint resolution, consistent with the disapproval process.

Next steps: If the Senate and House pass the resolution and it is sent to the President, the President would sign or veto; if enacted, the EPA rule would be nullified. If Congress fails to pass the resolution, the EPA rule could become effective per its publication schedule.

Bill