Palmetto State News

U.S. lawmakers have introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at overturning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) amendments to the Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The rule, finalized in November 2024 by the Biden administration, has been criticized for lacking necessity and quantifiable public health benefits.

Senator Tim Scott expressed his concerns, stating, “The amended Biden NESHAP rule is counterproductive in every sense and the type of government inefficiency and overreach Americans are sick of. It will increase emissions and cost job creators millions in compliance expenses each year.” He emphasized his commitment to opposing measures that negatively impact South Carolina's workforce and economy.

Representative Morgan Griffith, serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, highlighted his focus on steering the EPA towards a compliance-focused regulatory regime. He remarked, “In the waning days of the Biden Administration, scores of ill-advised, unreasonable regulations were issued to overburden American industry.”

House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Guthrie criticized the EPA's decision-making process: “Unsurprisingly, the EPA failed to collect the necessary and specific data needed to inform this rulemaking.” He voiced concerns about potential economic impacts on consumers and jobs.

Anne Forristall Luke from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association also commented on the issue: “Tire manufacturing facilities have long understood and complied with existing standards... However, the agency’s revised final NESHAP rule actually creates an adverse environmental impact.”

The resolution is supported by Senators Lindsey Graham, Shelley Moore Capito, Marsha Blackburn, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tim Sheehy, along with Representatives Troy Balderson, Randy Weber, Dan Crenshaw, Bob Latta, and Buddy Carter.