House · HJRES 213 · 119th Congress
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision".
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Summary
This resolution would cancel a federal decision that let California set stricter pollution rules for commercial harbor craft like fishing boats and ferries. The Environmental Protection Agency had approved part of California's plan to cut engine emissions from those vessels. If passed, the stricter California rules would have no legal force.
In Favor
Federal law lets California set its own engine pollution rules only with EPA approval. Congress can cancel that approval if it believes the rules go too far. Blocking these rules protects fishing boat operators and other harbor craft owners from costly new equipment requirements they may not be able to afford.
Against
Canceling this approval removes pollution limits that were meant to clean up harbor air near ports and coastal communities. Commercial harbor craft engines produce harmful exhaust that affects nearby residents. Without these rules, California loses a tool it had already earned the right to use under federal law.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill cancels an EPA decision that partly approved California's stricter pollution rules for commercial harbor craft. Congress uses a federal law that lets it reject agency rules before they take effect.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill focuses only on canceling one specific EPA approval decision. It does not add unrelated items, so all provisions stay on topic.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
California boat operators, including commercial fishing fleets, would no longer face the new emission standards. The EPA and California Air Resources Board would lose the authority granted by the canceled decision.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not appropriate or authorize any dollar amount. Its main effect is stopping a regulation, which removes compliance costs that businesses would have faced under the canceled rules.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
If the bill passes, California loses its approved authority to enforce the new harbor craft rules. Whether California pursues a new approval request, or whether legal challenges follow, goes beyond what the bill itself states.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 9/17/2026