US Federal House Bill HJR79

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/25
• Introduced: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/24/25

Caption

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".

Summary

H.J. Res. 79 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. It would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency final rule titled “Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act,” published at 89 Fed. Reg. 73293 (Sept. 10, 2024). If enacted, the resolution would nullify that EPA rule and prevent it from taking effect. The resolution does not itself create new environmental standards or amend the Clean Air Act directly. Instead, it uses Congress’s CRA authority to block a specific agency action related to how certain pollution sources are classified under hazardous air pollutant regulations. The practical effect would be to preserve the prior regulatory framework for affected facilities and limit EPA’s ability to implement the reclassification rule.

Impact

If enacted, H.J. Res. 79 would have the legal effect of voiding the EPA’s reclassification rule and making it without force or effect. That would affect regulated industrial sources subject to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, particularly facilities that could be reclassified from major sources to area sources under the challenged rule. The measure would not amend statutory text, but it would constrain EPA’s regulatory implementation and maintain the preexisting compliance regime for affected parties.

Sentiment

Based on the bill’s introduction and sponsorship, the measure appears to be supported by members who favor limiting the EPA’s rulemaking in this area and who likely view the reclassification rule as overly expansive or burdensome. No committee vote or floor vote is provided, so there is no recorded bipartisan or final chamber sentiment in the available materials. The overall tone of the bill is deregulatory and skeptical of the EPA action it targets.

Contention

The central point of contention is the EPA’s decision to reclassify certain major sources as area sources under Clean Air Act Section 112. Supporters of the resolution likely argue that the rule weakens environmental oversight or exceeds EPA authority, while opponents would likely contend that the rule is a lawful and appropriate adjustment to hazardous air pollutant regulation. The available record does not include committee debate or votes, so the specific arguments of each side are not documented here.