A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Council on Environmental Quality relating to "National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions".

12/29/2022, 7:18 PM

Summary of Bill SJRES 55

Bill 117 SJRes 55 is a joint resolution that aims to disapprove of a rule submitted by the Council on Environmental Quality regarding revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations. The resolution falls under chapter 8 of title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to review and potentially overturn regulations proposed by federal agencies.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a landmark environmental law that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. The Council on Environmental Quality is responsible for overseeing the implementation of NEPA and ensuring that federal agencies comply with its requirements.

The rule in question proposes revisions to the NEPA Implementing Regulations, which govern how federal agencies conduct environmental reviews and assessments. The Council on Environmental Quality argues that these revisions are necessary to streamline the NEPA process, reduce regulatory burdens, and promote infrastructure development. However, critics of the rule argue that the proposed revisions would weaken environmental protections, limit public input, and expedite the approval of projects with potentially harmful environmental impacts. They believe that the rule prioritizes economic interests over environmental concerns and undermines the original intent of NEPA. Bill 117 SJRes 55 seeks to express congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Council on Environmental Quality. If passed, the resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect and require the Council to reconsider its proposed revisions to the NEPA Implementing Regulations. Overall, the resolution highlights the ongoing debate between environmental protection and economic development, and the role of Congress in overseeing federal regulations that impact the environment.

Congressional Summary of SJRES 55

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Council on Environmental Quality titled National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions and published on April 20, 2022. The rule restores regulatory provisions issued under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) that were in effect before being modified in 2020 by the Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act rule.

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Current Status of Bill SJRES 55

Bill SJRES 55 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since August 4, 2022. Bill SJRES 55 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on July 13, 2022. Bill SJRES 55's most recent activity was Star Print ordered on the joint resolution. as of September 21, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill SJRES 55

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill SJRES 55

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures

- Congressional oversight

- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research

- Environmental regulatory procedures

Alternate Title(s) of Bill SJRES 55

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Council on Environmental Quality relating to "National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions".