Congress blocks EPA's attempt to gut power plant pollution rules
S.J.Res. 188 — 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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal". · Filed by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) · Introduced Apr 27, 2026 · Reported out
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What it does
This is a Congressional Review Act resolution that disapproves an EPA rule repealing emissions standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants. If passed, it would block the EPA's repeal and restore the emissions standards that were in place before the EPA attempted to eliminate them.
Why we flagged it
This is a Congressional Review Act disapproval resolution that restores EPA emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants from coal and oil power plants. It is a procedural tool to block a deregulatory action and maintain environmental protections.
What the text implies
- If passed, this resolution would prevent the EPA from repealing these standards without congressional action, effectively locking in the emissions limits unless Congress passes new legislation to authorize their removal.
- The resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. ch. 8), which allows Congress to disapprove agency rules within 60 legislative days. If passed, it also triggers a prohibition on the EPA issuing substantially similar rules without explicit congressional authorization.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Restoring emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants protects public health by maintaining limits on toxic air pollution (mercury, arsenic, acid gases) that cause respiratory disease, heart disease, and premature death. Citizens in communities near power plants and downwind populations benefit from continued pollution controls.