Bill Summary
This joint resolution is a formal disapproval by the U.S. Congress of a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning regulations for commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units, specifically focusing on temporary-use incinerators and air curtain incinerators used in disaster recovery situations. The resolution asserts that Congress does not approve of this EPA rule, which was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2025, and declares that the rule will not take effect. This action is made under the authority of Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which outlines the process for congressional disapproval of certain regulatory actions.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the congressional disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule regarding commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units could affect people:
1. **Environmental Impact on Communities**: The disapproval of the rule may result in the continued use of less regulated incineration practices for solid waste. Communities near these incinerators could experience increased air pollution, which may lead to health issues such as respiratory problems and other illnesses due to exposure to harmful emissions.
2. **Waste Management Practices**: Without the rule in place, industries may not be required to implement more environmentally sound waste disposal methods. This could lead to an increase in the amount of industrial waste being incinerated using older, less efficient technologies, potentially exacerbating environmental degradation and undermining efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices.
3. **Economic Consequences**: The disapproval could affect businesses that are required to comply with new waste management regulations. Companies that were preparing to invest in cleaner technologies or practices to comply with the new rule may face uncertainty and financial setbacks. Additionally, local economies that depend on environmentally friendly practices or the jobs associated with them may suffer if businesses continue to rely on outdated incineration methods.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 85 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 85
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental
Protection Agency relating to ``Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste
Incineration Units: Temporary-Use Incinerators and Air Curtain
Incinerators Used in Disaster Recovery''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 1, 2025
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 ``Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste
Incineration Units: Temporary-Use Incinerators and Air Curtain
Incinerators Used in Disaster Recovery''.
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
``Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units: Temporary-
Use Incinerators and Air Curtain Incinerators Used in Disaster
Recovery'' (90 Fed. Reg. 41508 (August 26, 2025)), and such rule shall
have no force or effect.
<all>