H.R. 161Heading to a voteEnvironment & energy
Bill would ease pollution permit rules for factory and plant upgrades
Data as of July 23, 2026
HR 161 redefines "modification" under the Clean Air Act, making it easier for facilities to upgrade without new pollution permits.AI-decoded35-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
AI-decodedWhat does this do?
HR 161 changes how the Clean Air Act determines when a facility change counts as a "modification" triggering stricter pollution permits. It redefines "increase" as a higher maximum hourly emission rate compared to any hour in the past 10 years, rather than annual totals, and generally exempts efficiency or safety upgrades from permitting unless EPA finds they would harm health or the environment.
Who does it affect?
Affects industrial facilities like power plants, refineries, and manufacturing sites, along with the EPA, which enforces Clean Air Act permitting programs.
Why does it matter?
Supporters say it would make upgrading aging equipment cheaper and easier; critics warn it could let facilities increase actual pollution without required environmental review.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote — You are here
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a House floor vote. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act
- Introduced:
- January 3, 2025
- Latest action:
- April 28, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 542.
Read the official bill on Congress.gov