US Federal House Bill HJR87

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 5/21/25
• Enrolled: 6/6/25
• Passed: 6/12/25
• Chaptered: 6/12/25

Caption

Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".

Summary

H.J.Res. 87 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency rule concerning California motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule at issue covered heavy-duty vehicle and engine emission warranty and maintenance provisions, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks program, a zero-emission airport shuttle program, zero-emission powertrain certification, and the EPA’s waiver of preemption decision. If enacted, the resolution nullifies that EPA rule and prevents it from taking effect. The practical effect of the measure is to block the federal rule’s approval of California’s emissions-related standards and related clean-vehicle programs, which can also affect how other states that follow California standards implement similar requirements. It changes the regulatory landscape for manufacturers, fleet operators, and other regulated parties by removing the rule’s legal force and preserving the preexisting federal baseline rather than allowing the challenged California-linked standards to proceed under the EPA waiver framework.

Impact

The resolution repeals, through congressional disapproval, the EPA rule published at 88 Fed. Reg. 20688 and provides that the rule has no force or effect. That means the EPA’s waiver decision and the associated California emissions and zero-emission vehicle provisions are invalidated at the federal level, affecting state implementation of vehicle emissions standards, especially in states that adopt California-aligned rules. The measure primarily impacts vehicle manufacturers, heavy-duty truck and engine producers, airport shuttle operators, and state regulators overseeing emissions compliance.

Sentiment

The voting history suggests the bill was politically divisive but ultimately successful. It passed the House by a narrower but clear margin and cleared the Senate by very close votes, indicating significant support for overturning the EPA action alongside substantial opposition. The final enactment into public law shows that proponents were able to assemble enough votes despite the controversy.

Contention

The main point of contention was whether Congress should overturn the EPA’s waiver-related rule supporting California’s stricter vehicle emissions framework. Supporters likely viewed the rule as an overreach that could impose costly mandates on manufacturers and regulated industries, while opponents likely defended it as an important tool for reducing pollution and advancing zero-emission transportation. The close Senate votes indicate the dispute centered on the balance between federal oversight, California’s special emissions authority, and climate/air-quality policy.