US Federal Senate Bill SJR31

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Engrossed: 5/5/25
• Enrolled: 6/10/25
• Passed: 6/20/25
• Chaptered: 6/20/25

Caption

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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".

Summary

SJR31 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act that nullifies an Environmental Protection Agency rule titled “Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act.” By its terms, the resolution states that the EPA rule has no force or effect. The measure was enacted as Public Law 119-20 on June 20, 2025. The practical effect of the resolution is to block the EPA’s reclassification rule from taking effect and to prevent the agency from implementing that specific regulatory change. Because the resolution is a disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, it overrides the underlying agency action and leaves the prior regulatory framework in place unless changed by future legislation or rulemaking. The bill directly affects EPA regulation of hazardous air pollutant sources under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, especially facilities that could have been treated as major sources or area sources under the rule.

Impact

The resolution changes federal administrative law by invalidating the EPA’s final rule on reclassification of major sources as area sources under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. It affects regulated industries, state environmental agencies that coordinate with federal air permitting and compliance programs, and communities concerned with air toxics regulation. The disapproval means the challenged rule cannot be enforced and does not amend state law directly, but it preserves the prior federal regulatory status quo and may influence future EPA rulemaking and state implementation efforts.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been supported by majorities in both chambers, but with notable partisan division. The Senate passed the motion to proceed and the joint resolution by 52-40 and 52-46, and the House passed it by a narrow 215-212 margin. The close votes suggest the resolution was controversial, with supporters favoring congressional rejection of the EPA rule and opponents likely defending the agency’s regulatory approach.

Contention

The main point of contention was whether Congress should overturn the EPA’s rule reclassifying certain sources under the Clean Air Act. Supporters of the resolution likely viewed the rule as an overreach or an inappropriate regulatory change, while opponents likely argued that the EPA’s rule was a legitimate environmental protection measure. The narrow margins in both chambers indicate disagreement over federal environmental regulation, EPA authority, and the balance between pollution control and regulatory burden on affected facilities.