S.jres14 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. (119th Congress)
Summary
This document is a joint resolution (S.J. Res. 14) introduced in the Senate on February 5, 2025. It aims to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The rule in question concerns the management of certain HFCs and substitutes under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020.
Expected Effects
If the resolution is passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the EPA rule concerning the phasedown of HFCs will be nullified. This would halt the EPA's current regulatory approach to managing HFCs under the AIM Act. The practical effect would be to maintain the status quo regarding HFC regulation, pending further legislative or regulatory action.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower costs for industries that rely on HFCs, as they would not need to comply with the EPA's phasedown requirements.
- Could lead to increased availability of HFC-based products, benefiting consumers in the short term.
- May prevent disruptions in sectors where alternatives to HFCs are not readily available or cost-effective.
- Could allow for further evaluation of the economic and technological feasibility of HFC alternatives before implementing regulations.
- Might address concerns about the EPA overstepping its regulatory authority.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could slow down or reverse progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
- May hinder the development and adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives to HFCs.
- Could negatively impact public health by prolonging the use of substances with harmful environmental effects.
- Might undermine the United States' commitment to international agreements on climate change.
- Could create uncertainty for businesses that have already invested in HFC alternatives.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which pertains to congressional review of agency rulemaking. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress, including the power to disapprove agency rules. The resolution represents an exercise of congressional oversight, a check on the executive branch's regulatory authority.
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).