Bill Summary
The "Common Sense Air Regulations Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at nullifying a specific final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter. This rule, published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2024, is proposed to be rendered ineffective by this legislation. The intent behind the bill is to prevent the implementation of the EPA's revised air quality standards, suggesting that the lawmakers believe the existing regulations are adequate or that the new regulations may be overly burdensome. The bill reflects a broader debate on environmental regulation and air quality standards in the United States.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Common Sense Air Regulations Act," which nullifies the EPA's final rule on particulate matter standards, could affect people:
1. **Increased Air Pollution Exposure**: By nullifying the EPA's reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter, the legislation may lead to higher levels of particulate pollution in the air. This could adversely affect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, increasing the risk of health issues like asthma, heart attacks, and other serious illnesses.
2. **Economic Impact on Communities**: Areas that are already struggling with air quality issues may face economic repercussions as a result of heightened pollution levels. This could deter new businesses from moving into those areas or lead to existing businesses suffering from reduced productivity due to health-related absences. Additionally, communities may experience increased healthcare costs associated with pollution-related illnesses, further straining local economies.
3. **Environmental Justice Concerns**: The nullification of stricter air quality standards could disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities, who often live near industrial sites and highways where particulate matter levels are already high. This could exacerbate existing environmental justice issues, leading to greater health disparities and social inequities, as these communities may lack the resources to fight against increased pollution or to access healthcare for pollution-related health problems.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2288 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2288
To nullify the final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency titled
``Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
Particulate Matter''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 24, 2025
Mr. Carter of Georgia (for himself, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Pfluger, and Mr.
Weber of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To nullify the final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency titled
``Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
Particulate Matter''.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Common Sense Air Regulations Act''.
SEC. 2. NULLIFICATION OF FINAL RULE RELATING TO RECONSIDERATION OF THE
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR PARTICULATE
MATTER.
The final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency titled
``Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
Particulate Matter'' (89 Fed. Reg. 16202 (March 6, 2024)) shall have no
force or effect.
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