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Congress reverses EPA rule easing polluter reclassification under Clean Air Act

Signed into lawS.J.Res. 31Latest action

Sponsor: John R. Curtis · Senator · UT

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 "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".

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 killed an EPA rule that let major polluters reclassify as smaller "area sources" with looser rules.

40-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This resolution cancels an EPA rule that made it easier for large industrial polluters ("major sources") to be reclassified as smaller "area sources" once they cut pollution below a certain threshold under the Clean Air Act. Congress used the to eliminate the rule with a vote. It passed the Senate and House in spring 2025 and was on June 20, 2025.

Who does it affect?

Affects industrial facilities like chemical plants, refineries, and manufacturers that emit hazardous air pollutants. Environmental regulators, industry groups, and residents near these facilities are also directly affected.

Why does it matter?

Facilities that had qualified for reclassification as smaller sources will likely now face the original, stricter major-source pollution control standards. This can affect local air quality for communities living near these facilities.

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

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No call to make

This is law.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedMar 6, 2025
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate vote
  4. House
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law

Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-20.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 143

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Passed
    216
    Nay
    212
    0
    4

    Republicans 216 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 211 no, 1 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 229

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 31
    Result:
    Joint Resolution Passed
    52
    Nay
    46
    0
    2

    Republicans 52 yes, 1 not voting · Democrats 44 no, 1 not voting · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. Senate · · Roll call 227

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 31
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Agreed to
    52
    Nay
    40
    0
    8

    Republicans 52 yes, 1 not voting · Democrats 39 no, 6 not voting · Independents 1 no, 1 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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