Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes".
Summary
H.J.Res. 157 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. It would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency final rule titled “Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes,” published at 91 Fed. Reg. 16388 (April 1, 2026). If enacted, the resolution would nullify that EPA rule and prevent it from taking effect.
The underlying EPA rule concerns federal renewable fuel blending requirements, including volume standards for 2026 and 2027 and a partial waiver of the 2025 cellulosic biofuel requirement. Because the resolution targets the rule in its entirety, its practical effect would be to preserve the prior regulatory framework rather than allow the updated RFS standards and related changes to go into force.
Impact
The bill would have no direct effect on state statutes, but it would affect federal environmental and energy policy by disapproving an EPA rule under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code. If adopted, the rule would have no force or effect, which would alter compliance obligations for fuel producers, refiners, biofuel suppliers, and other parties subject to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The measure is aimed at federal renewable fuel volume mandates and cellulosic biofuel requirements, areas that can influence fuel markets, blending practices, and agricultural biofuel demand.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, with no committee transcript or vote data provided. Based on the sponsor’s use of the Congressional Review Act to block an EPA rule, the bill appears to reflect opposition to the agency’s renewable fuel regulatory changes. No contrary or supportive debate is available in the record, so the overall sentiment can only be characterized as procedurally adversarial to the EPA rule rather than as a documented bipartisan or negotiated effort.
Contention
The central point of contention is the EPA’s authority and policy judgment in setting Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and granting a partial waiver for cellulosic biofuel requirements. Supporters of the resolution are likely to argue that the rule imposes undesirable mandates or regulatory burdens, while opponents would likely defend the EPA’s updated standards as necessary for implementing federal biofuel policy. Because no committee discussion or votes are included, the specific arguments of lawmakers, industry groups, or affected stakeholders are not documented in the provided record.