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Senate moves to restore EPA power plant pollution limits

Floor activityS.J.Res. 188Latest action

Sponsor: Sheldon Whitehouse · Senator · RI

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: 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".

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

Congress is voting on whether to block an EPA rule that removed air pollution limits for coal- and oil-fired power plants.

35-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

The EPA issued a rule in February 2026 that removed existing limits on hazardous air pollutants — including mercury and other toxic emissions — from coal- and oil-fired power plants. This resolution would cancel that EPA rule, keeping the original pollution limits in place.

Who does it affect?

This affects companies that operate coal- and oil-fired power plants. It also affects communities living near those plants who breathe the air the plants impact.

Why does it matter?

If the resolution passes and is , the original pollution limits stay in effect. If it does not pass, the EPA rule removing those limits remains in place.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

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Make the call

The last attempt failed: the Senate voted against taking it up, 46–53, on June 3, 2026.

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedApr 27, 2026
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate voteYou are here · Jun 3, 2026
  4. House
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the Senate has not agreed to take it up. The last motion to do so failed. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 135. (CR S2509)

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. Senate · · Roll call 135

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 188
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Rejected
    46
    Nay
    53
    0
    1

    Republicans 53 no · Democrats 44 yes, 1 not voting · Independents 2 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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