Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Withdrawal of Technical Amendment".
If enacted, HJR66 would have significant implications for environmental regulation in Ohio, reversing the EPA's recent amendments tied to air quality management. The resolution represents a political move that aligns with certain congressional members' views advocating for lesser federal oversight on state environmental regulations. This disapproval could alter the execution of air quality management strategies previously endorsed by the EPA, which could raise public health concerns among Ohio constituents reliant on these regulations for cleaner air standards.
HJR66 is a joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to provide for congressional disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding air plan approvals related to Ohio. The rule in question involves the withdrawal of a technical amendment previously approved for Ohio's air quality management plan. This resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to disapprove certain federal regulations, effectively nullifying the EPA's authority over the stipulated amendments in this case.
The discussions surrounding HJR66 indicate a partisan divide, with supporters touting the resolution as a necessary step towards state autonomy and opposing federal encroachment on local regulatory authority. Critics, however, argue that such disapproval may hinder efforts to maintain air quality and safeguard public health, considering the potential environmental and compliance risks associated with withdrawing such EPA regulations. As this resolution garners attention, it raises questions about the balance of power between state governments and federal agencies in environmental policymaking.