Bill Summary
This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning effluent limitations and standards for steam electric power generating facilities. The rule in question involves deadline extensions and corrections related to the regulations governing the discharge of pollutants from these power plants. By passing this resolution, Congress effectively nullifies the rule, meaning it will not take effect or be enforced. This action is taken under the authority of chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to disapprove certain agency rules.
Possible Impacts
The joint resolution disapproving the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding effluent limitations for steam electric power generating facilities could have several impacts on people. Here are three examples:
1. **Environmental Impact**: By disapproving the rule that may have allowed for more flexible deadlines for compliance with effluent limitations, the resolution could lead to continued or increased pollution from steam electric power plants. This may result in poorer air and water quality, which can negatively affect the health of communities living near these facilities, potentially leading to increased respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems.
2. **Economic Consequences for Power Plants**: The resolution could impose stricter compliance requirements on steam electric power plants, which might necessitate significant investment in pollution control technologies. This could increase operational costs for these plants, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher electricity prices. Additionally, if plants struggle to meet these standards, it could lead to job losses or economic decline in areas dependent on these facilities.
3. **Regulatory Uncertainty**: The disapproval of the EPA rule may create uncertainty for businesses and investors in the energy sector. Companies may hesitate to invest in new technologies or infrastructure improvements if they are unsure about future regulatory requirements. This uncertainty can hinder innovation and the transition to cleaner energy sources, ultimately affecting the pace of progress towards more sustainable energy practices and the job market in emerging green industries.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 120 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 120
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; Correction''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 9, 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; Correction''.
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;
Correction'' (91 Fed. Reg. 4016 (January 30, 2026)), and such rule
shall have no force or effect.
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