Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".
Plain Language Summary
# HJRES 76 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would overturn a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that updated how the government reviews and regulates new chemicals. Specifically, it would reverse the EPA's December 2024 decision to prevent certain harmful chemicals—including PFAS (often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment) and other persistent toxic substances—from receiving exemptions that would otherwise allow them to skip certain safety reviews before being used commercially. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect chemical manufacturers and companies that use these substances in products, as it would make it easier for certain potentially harmful chemicals to enter the market with fewer regulatory hurdles. Environmental advocates and public health groups would likely oppose the bill, as it could allow chemicals that persist in the environment and accumulate in human bodies to be used more freely.
The rule being challenged requires stricter scrutiny of new chemicals before they're approved for use. **Current Status** The bill (HJRES 76) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (89 Fed. Reg. 102773) and published on December 18, 2024. Among other elements, the rule amends the new chemicals procedural regulations and also makes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs) ineligible for certain exemptions under the Toxic Substance Control Act.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.