This bill streamlines the House's consideration of resolutions disapproving of energy conservation standards for appliances, emission standards for tire manufacturing, and protections for marine archaeological resources.
Nicholas Langworthy
Representative
NY-23
This bill streamlines the House's process for considering three joint resolutions: one disapproving the Department of Energy's energy conservation standards for appliances, another regarding the EPA's emission standards for rubber tire manufacturing, and a third concerning the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's rule on protecting marine archaeological resources. It waives certain procedural rules and sets time limits for debating each resolution.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 218 | 211 | 0 | 7 |
Democrat | 215 | 0 | 209 | 6 |
House Fast-Tracks Votes to Scrap New Energy, Environment Rules: Appliance Standards, Air Pollution, and Marine Heritage on the Chopping Block
This resolution clears the way for the House to quickly vote on overturning three recently finalized rules from the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). It's all about making it easier for Congress to reject these regulations using the Congressional Review Act. Essentially, this is a procedural move setting up a streamlined path to potentially undo rules related to appliance energy standards, air pollution from tire manufacturing, and the protection of underwater archaeological sites.
Red Tape Rollback?
The resolution, H. Res. 869, specifically targets three joint resolutions: H.J. Res. 42 (DOE appliance standards), H.J. Res. 61 (EPA tire manufacturing emissions), and S.J. Res. 11 (BOEM marine archaeological resources). For each of these, the resolution waives all points of order. What does that mean? It means typical procedural challenges that could slow down or derail the process are bypassed. It limits debate to just one hour for each resolution, split evenly between the chair and ranking member of the relevant committee, and allows only one motion to recommit (basically, a last-minute attempt to change the resolution).
Real-World Impacts: From Washing Machines to Sunken Ships
Let's break down what this could mean in practice. If these resolutions pass:
- Appliances (H.J. Res. 42): The DOE's new energy conservation standards for various appliances could be tossed out. This could mean manufacturers face fewer requirements to make energy-efficient products. While some might argue this keeps initial costs down, it could also lead to higher energy bills over the appliance's lifespan. Think long term versus short term costs for your wallet.
- Tire Manufacturing (H.J. Res. 61): The EPA's rule setting National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing could be revoked. This rule aims to control pollutants released during tire production. Overturning it could mean less stringent air quality controls around these facilities.
- Marine Archaeology (S.J. Res. 11): The BOEM's rule on protecting marine archaeological resources could be nullified. This rule sets standards for how these resources are handled during activities like offshore energy development. If overturned, it might mean less protection for historically significant underwater sites.
The Bigger Picture: A Regulatory Showdown
This resolution is significant because it signals a push to use the Congressional Review Act to challenge recently finalized regulations. The CRA allows Congress to overturn agency rules within a specific timeframe. By waiving points of order and limiting debate, this resolution greases the wheels for those challenges. It sets up a rapid-fire process for potentially dismantling rules put in place by the executive branch, impacting everything from your next dishwasher to the air we breathe and the preservation of historical sites.