Environment

H.J.Res. 88 disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have allowed California to enforce its "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle emission standards. This rule, submitted by the EPA on January 6, 2025, sought to grant California a waiver to override federal preemption for its stricter vehicle pollution controls. The resolution, passed by Congress and signed into law on June 12, 2025, formally nullifies the EPA rule, preventing California from implementing its Advanced Clean Cars II program under this specific waiver. The bill directly affects California's ability to set its own vehicle emission standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

This resolution blocks a Department of Energy rule that would have set new energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. It prevents the rule from taking effect, meaning appliance manufacturers would not have to meet the proposed efficiency requirements. The rule, submitted in December 2024, directly affected manufacturers of these water heaters and consumers purchasing them. Congress approved this disapproval through a joint resolution passed on May 9, 2025.