Bill Summary
This Joint Resolution is a formal congressional disapproval of a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the extension of deadlines for effluent limitations guidelines and standards applicable to the steam electric power generating sector. The rule in question, published in the Federal Register, aimed to allow more time for compliance with regulations that limit pollutants discharged into water bodies from power plants. By passing this resolution, Congress is rejecting the EPA's rule, thereby ensuring that the original deadlines for compliance remain in effect and that the rule will not be implemented. This action reflects Congress's authority to overturn federal regulations under the Congressional Review Act.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the congressional disapproval of the EPA's rule regarding effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating point source category could affect people:
1. **Public Health Impacts**: By disapproving the rule that extends deadlines for compliance with effluent limitations, the decision could lead to stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations. This could reduce the amount of pollutants discharged into waterways from steam electric power plants, potentially leading to improved water quality and public health outcomes for communities living near these facilities. However, if power plants are unable to meet the stricter deadlines, it could also result in increased pollution temporarily until compliance is achieved.
2. **Economic Consequences for Power Plants**: The disapproval of the deadline extensions may impose immediate financial burdens on steam electric power generating facilities, which may need to invest quickly in pollution control technologies or processes to comply with existing standards. This could result in increased operational costs, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher electricity prices, impacting household budgets and the overall cost of living.
3. **Job Implications in the Energy Sector**: Stricter regulations without extended deadlines could lead to job losses or shifts within the energy sector, especially if power plants are forced to close or reduce operations due to non-compliance with environmental standards. Conversely, the need for new technologies and processes to meet these standards could create job opportunities in pollution control technologies and environmental compliance sectors, influencing employment dynamics in affected regions.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 106 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 106
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental
Protection Agency relating to ``Effluent Limitations Guidelines and
Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source
Category--Deadline Extensions''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 4, 2026
Mr. Whitehouse introduced the following joint resolution; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works
_______________________________________________________________________
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 ``Effluent Limitations Guidelines and
Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source
Category--Deadline Extensions''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to
``Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric
Power Generating Point Source Category--Deadline Extensions'' (90 Fed.
Reg. 61328 (December 31, 2025)), and such rule shall have no force or
effect.
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