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 "Air Plan Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".
Summary
This joint resolution proposes to formally disapprove of a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding Colorado's air quality. Specifically, the EPA rule in question rejected Colorado's state-level plan for managing regional haze during its second implementation period. Regional haze is a type of air pollution that reduces visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. By using the Congressional Review Act, this resolution aims to void the EPA's disapproval and prevent the federal government from imposing its own alternative air quality requirements on the state.
If enacted, the resolution would allow Colorado to move forward with its original state-designed plan for reducing emissions rather than following federal mandates that might otherwise be required following the EPA's rejection. This could impact how local industrial facilities and power plants are regulated for air clarity and pollution. Because this is a joint resolution, it would have the force of law if passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President, effectively stripping the EPA's specific ruling of any legal effect.