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".
Summary
SJR14 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency rule titled “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.” If enacted, it would nullify the EPA rule published at 89 Fed. Reg. 82682 (October 11, 2024) and prevent it from taking effect.
The resolution does not create a new regulatory program; instead, it uses Congress’s disapproval authority to block an existing federal rule governing the phasedown and management of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and substitute refrigerants. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works, with no recorded votes or committee debate in the provided materials.
Impact
If adopted, SJR14 would have the legal effect of voiding the EPA’s HFC phasedown rule and prohibiting the agency from issuing a substantially similar rule without new statutory authorization, as provided under the Congressional Review Act. The measure would affect federal environmental and chemical-management regulations tied to refrigerants, air-conditioning and cooling systems, and industries that manufacture, use, or substitute HFCs and related compounds.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill is part of a broader effort to oppose EPA climate and refrigerant regulations, but no committee transcript or vote data is provided to show detailed debate or bipartisan support. Because it is a disapproval resolution, the general posture is likely critical of the EPA rule and supportive among those favoring reduced regulatory burden, while opponents would likely view it as undermining HFC phasedown and climate policy goals.
Contention
The central point of contention is whether the EPA’s HFC phasedown rule is an appropriate and lawful implementation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act or an overreach that imposes unnecessary costs on affected industries. Supporters of the resolution are likely to emphasize regulatory relief, compliance costs, and impacts on manufacturers and users of refrigerants; opponents are likely to stress environmental and climate benefits from reducing high-global-warming-potential HFCs and preserving the EPA’s authority to manage substitutes and phasedown schedules.
Identical bill
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".
Identical bill
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".