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 Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOx Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
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 Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOx Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of SJRES 47 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would overturn an EPA decision from January 2025 that allowed California to enforce stricter pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Under federal law, California can request waivers to set its own emission rules that are stricter than national standards. The EPA approved California's request for its "Low NOx Regulation," which targets nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks and engines. This resolution would cancel that approval, preventing California from implementing these stricter standards. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects California, the trucking and automotive industries, and air quality in states that follow California's emission standards.
California's stricter rules typically influence other states that adopt similar standards, so the impact could extend beyond California's borders. Environmental groups and public health advocates would likely oppose the measure, while industries citing compliance costs would support it. **Current Status and Key Details:** The bill is currently in committee and has not passed. It was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and uses Congress's power to disapprove federal regulations. The measure reflects ongoing debates about balancing environmental regulation with industry concerns about compliance costs, and about whether California should have authority to set pollution standards different from federal requirements.
CRS Official Summary
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency notice titled California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision (90 Fed. Reg. 643) and published on January 6, 2025. Among other elements, the notice grants the California Air Resources Board request for a waiver for its Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Omnibus Low NOX regulations. (Under the Clean Air Act, California may seek waivers of the preemption prohibiting states from enacting certain emission standards.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.