Summary of HJRES 89

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJRES 89

Title: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".

Status: Signed into law by the President on June 12, 2025.

Introduced: April 2, 2025

Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJRES 89 aims to express congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule pertains to California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, specifically the "Omnibus" Low NOX Regulation. The resolution effectively nullifies the EPA's rule, preventing it from taking effect.

Key Provisions

• Disapproval of EPA Rule: The resolution explicitly states that Congress disapproves the EPA's rule regarding California's pollution control standards, which was published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2025.
• No Force or Effect: The resolution declares that the disapproved rule shall have no force or effect, meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.

Impact

• Affected Entities: The primary entities affected by this resolution are:
  • The Environmental Protection Agency, which will be unable to enforce the disapproved pollution control standards.
  • California state authorities and motor vehicle manufacturers who may have been preparing to comply with the new standards.
• Environmental Implications: The disapproval may have implications for air quality and emissions standards in California, potentially allowing higher levels of NOX emissions than would have been permitted under the EPA's rule.

Legislative Process

• House Passage: The resolution passed the House of Representatives on April 30, 2025, with a vote of 225-196.
• Senate Passage: The Senate approved the resolution on May 22, 2025, with a vote of 49-46.
• Presidential Approval: The resolution was signed into law by the President on June 12, 2025, becoming Public Law No: 119-17.

Sponsors and Support

HJRES 89 was sponsored by Representative Jay Obernolte and had numerous cosponsors, including:
- Daniel Webster
- Gary J. Palmer
- Claudia Tenney
- Stephanie I. Bice
- Tim Moore
- Doug LaMalfa
- Others

Related Legislation

• HRES 354: A companion resolution related to the consideration of multiple joint resolutions.
• SJRES 47: Another related joint resolution.

This summary provides a concise overview of HJRES 89, detailing its purpose, provisions, and potential impacts on environmental regulations in California.