Overview
Title
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act.
ELI5 AI
H. J. RES. 79 is a suggestion from people in Congress to stop a new plan by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that changes how we decide what counts as a big polluter of the air. If Congress agrees, then the EPA's plan would go away and would not be used anymore.
Summary AI
H. J. RES. 79 is a joint resolution from the 119th Congress that aims to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question involves the categorization of major pollution sources as area sources under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. If this resolution passes, the rule by the EPA, which was published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2024, would be nullified and have no legal effect. This resolution reflects Congress's power to review and potentially reject regulations submitted by federal agencies.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The joint resolution, H. J. RES. 79, brought forth in the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes congressional disapproval of a specific rule presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule pertains to the reclassification of certain pollution sources under the Clean Air Act, moving them from "major sources" to "area sources." The intended legislative action would nullify this EPA rule, meaning it would have no legal standing if the resolution is passed.
Significant Issues
One of the main concerns with this resolution stems from a lack of clarity regarding how disapproving the EPA’s rule will affect environmental outcomes or public health. The language of the resolution and its reliance on legal terminology can be difficult for those without specialized knowledge of environmental policy or federal legislation to understand. References to the Federal Register and specific sections of the Clean Air Act are included without elucidation, which might create barriers for public comprehension and participation in discussions about the resolution’s implications.
Impact on the Public
The disapproval of the EPA’s rule could have a range of effects on the general public, particularly concerning air quality and health. If the EPA rule intended to downgrade the classification of certain pollution sources, its disapproval might mean those sources remain under stricter regulatory control. This might lead to better air quality and health outcomes, depending on the effectiveness of the existing regulations. However, the exact nature of the rule’s intent is not detailed in the resolution, leaving the public to speculate on the broader impact without guidance or context.
Stakeholder Implications
Various stakeholders will experience different impacts from this resolution. Environmental organizations and public health advocates might view the disapproval as a victory, preserving stricter regulations on major pollution sources that could lead to cleaner air and reduced health risks. Conversely, industries or businesses categorized under these pollution sources may face continued compliance with stringent regulations, potentially resulting in higher operating costs.
Without clear information on the benefits or drawbacks of the specific EPA rule being opposed, stakeholders must navigate uncertainties about regulatory impacts and public health implications. The opaque nature of such legislative actions emphasizes the importance of transparency and accessible communication in policymaking.
Issues
The resolution disapproves an EPA rule, but the implications of this disapproval on the environment or public health are not explained, which could concern the general public given the rule's focus on air quality (SECTIONS).
The language and references used may be ambiguous and inaccessible to those without specific knowledge of environmental regulations or legal documentation, potentially limiting public understanding and transparency (SECTIONS).
The reliance on Federal Register references and specific section numbers without explanation might hinder accessibility for individuals and organizations without legal or governmental expertise (SECTIONS).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
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Summary AI
The section states that Congress is opposing the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, which reclassifies certain sources of pollution under the Clean Air Act, and declares that this rule will have no legal effect.