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".
Summary
H.J. Res. 38 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. It would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency final rule titled “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020,” published at 89 Fed. Reg. 82682 on October 11, 2024. If adopted, the resolution would nullify that EPA rule and prevent it from taking effect.
The underlying EPA rule concerns the federal management and phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and related substitutes, which are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other cooling applications. The resolution does not create a new regulatory program; instead, it uses Congress’s disapproval authority to block the agency action and leave the rule with no force or effect. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and, based on the provided record, has no recorded votes or committee transcript discussion yet.
Impact
If enacted, the resolution would invalidate the EPA’s HFC management rule and prevent implementation of the specific regulatory requirements contained in that final rule. The practical effect would be to alter how the federal government administers the phasedown and management of hydrofluorocarbons and substitutes under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, affecting regulated manufacturers, importers, distributors, and end users in industries that rely on refrigerants and cooling equipment. It would also signal congressional rejection of the EPA’s approach to implementing the statute.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the measure is being advanced by sponsors who oppose the EPA rule and want to stop it through the Congressional Review Act. Because there are no committee transcripts or vote totals provided, there is no documented broader debate in the record, but the bill’s structure indicates a generally critical stance toward the agency’s regulation. The resolution’s introduction by multiple Republican members also suggests partisan support for disapproval of the rule.
Contention
The central point of contention is the EPA’s authority and policy choice to regulate the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons and substitutes under the 2020 law. Supporters of the resolution likely view the rule as overly burdensome, economically disruptive, or an overextension of agency power, while opponents would likely argue that the rule is a necessary implementation of federal climate and refrigerant policy. No specific committee objections, amendments, or recorded votes are available in the provided materials, so the dispute is inferred from the resolution’s purpose and sponsors.
Same As
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".
Same As
A 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 "Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020".