Congressional Review of EPAâs Mercury Rule (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
July 25, 2005 |
| Report Number |
RS22207 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
James E. McCarthy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division; and Richard S. Beth, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On June 29, 2005, Senator Patrick Leahy and 31 cosponsors introduced S.J.Res. 20 ; on
the same day, a similar resolution ( H.J.Res. 56 ) was introduced in the House by
Representative Martin Meehan. If enacted into law, these resolutions would disapprove, under the
Congressional Review Act, a rule promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency on March
29, 2005, in which EPA determined not to regulate hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired
electric utility units under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. Introduction of the Senate resolution
set in motion procedures under which the Senate may vote on whether to overturn the rule if at least
30 Senators submit a petition to discharge the resolution from the committee to which it is referred.
Thirty-two Senators did so on July 18. By that point, no action had yet occurred on the House
measure.
This report discusses the EPA rule that is the subject of the disapproval resolution, describes
the procedures under which the resolution can be considered, and provides additional references and
background information that may be of interest in light of the potential debate. The report will be
updated if congressional action warrants.
