Us Congress House Bill HJR161

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/24
• Refer: 5/28/24
• Refer: 5/31/24

Caption

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and Group I & II Polymers and Resins Industry".

Impact

The approval of HJR161 would effectively nullify the recent regulatory standards laid out by the EPA concerning emissions and performance specifications for chemical manufacturing. This deviation from the federal mandates could shift the regulatory landscape significantly, allowing companies within these industries to operate without the newly imposed restrictions. Advocates for this joint resolution argue that the EPA's standards might overreach and impose excessive compliance costs onto businesses, potentially hampering economic growth in the sector.

Summary

HJR161 is a joint resolution pending in Congress that seeks congressional disapproval of certain rules established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, it targets the New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants applicable to said industry as well as Group I and II Polymers and Resins Industry standards. The resolution operates under chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, indicating a formal legislative procedure intended to repeal or negate existing regulatory frameworks.

Contention

The bill surfaces a notable debate around the balance between environmental protection and industry regulation. Proponents view the EPA's enforcement as unnecessarily stringent and inhibiting to the business operations within the chemical sector, emphasizing economic freedoms and operational viability. Conversely, opponents express serious concerns that disapproving the EPA's standards could lead to increased environmental hazards, higher levels of pollutants, and decreased protections against emissions, which could adversely affect public health and environmental quality.