H.J.Res.87 - Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.87 is a joint resolution passed by the House of Representatives that disapproves of a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question relates to heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related waivers of preemption. The resolution seeks to nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.J.Res.87 would prevent the EPA rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from being enforced. This would mean that the specific regulations concerning heavy-duty vehicles, clean trucks, and zero-emission shuttles would not be implemented. The practical effect would be to maintain existing federal standards or potentially allow for greater variability in state-level emission regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower costs for manufacturers if they don't have to comply with California's stricter standards.
- Could lead to more affordable vehicles for consumers in the short term.
- May prevent disruptions to the supply chain if manufacturers don't have to produce different versions of vehicles for different states.
- Could reduce the administrative burden on businesses by avoiding the need to comply with multiple sets of regulations.
- May allow for a more uniform national approach to vehicle emissions standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased air pollution and negative health impacts, especially in California and other states that have adopted similar standards.
- May slow down the transition to cleaner vehicles and technologies.
- Could undermine California's ability to address its unique air quality challenges.
- May create uncertainty for manufacturers who have already invested in complying with the EPA rule.
- Could weaken the overall effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution is an exercise of Congress's power under Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to disapprove of agency rules. The constitutional question revolves around the balance of power between the federal government and state governments, particularly concerning environmental regulations. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this is often balanced against the Commerce Clause, which gives the federal government authority to regulate interstate commerce, including vehicle emissions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).