US Federal Senate Bill SJR60

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/16/25
• Introduced: 6/27/25
• Refer: 6/27/25

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 "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update".

Summary

SJR60 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency rule titled “Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update.” If enacted, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule and prevent it from taking effect, meaning the federal emissions budget and allowance allocations established for Indiana under that update would have no force or effect. The resolution targets a specific air pollution regulation tied to interstate emissions controls, which are designed to address pollution that crosses state lines. By disapproving the rule, Congress would block the EPA’s revised allocation framework for Indiana and alter how emissions allowances are assigned under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update. The measure is procedural in form but substantive in effect because it would remove the underlying federal regulatory requirements for the covered rule.

Impact

If approved, SJR60 would invalidate the EPA’s Indiana-specific emissions budget and allowance allocation rule under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, and bar implementation of that rule. This would affect EPA regulatory authority, Indiana power plants and other regulated emitters subject to the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update, and potentially neighboring states impacted by interstate pollution transport. It would not amend state statutes directly, but it would change the federal regulatory obligations governing air emissions compliance in Indiana and the broader regional air-quality framework.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the measure faced significant opposition in the Senate. A motion to proceed to consideration was rejected 47-51, indicating the chamber was closely divided but ultimately unwilling to advance the resolution. No committee transcript is available, so the record shows the general sentiment only through the vote: support existed, but not enough to overcome resistance to disapproving the EPA rule.

Contention

The main point of contention is the balance between federal air-quality regulation and opposition to the EPA’s Indiana emissions allocations. Supporters of the resolution likely view the rule as overly burdensome or unfair to Indiana and affected industries, while opponents likely favor preserving the EPA’s cross-state pollution controls to protect downwind states and public health. The close vote indicates disagreement over both environmental policy and the proper use of the Congressional Review Act to overturn a finalized EPA rule.