Senate Republicans Look To Nullify New EPA Rules

Thirty-four Republican senators are attempting to dismantle recently announced emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, calling them excessive. 

The legislation, introduced Feb. 9 by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with the support of 33 co-sponsors in the Senate, takes aim at stricter emissions standards introduced Dec. 20 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

The new rules, which would take effect with model year 2027, target nitrogen oxides (NOx), along with carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. They also require manufacturers to increase the emissions-related warranty periods for heavy-duty vehicles. 

Fischer said in a release that these standards would “jack up vehicle costs.” 

“This aggressive EPA rule — which will hit mom and pop truck operations the hardest — is also ineffective because it incentivizes operators to keep using older, higher-emitting trucks for longer,” Fischer stated. “During a period of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, the last thing this country needs is more expensive freight costs and fewer truckers.” 

The resolution is only one-sentence long, stating that “Congress disapproves” of the rule “and such rule shall have no force or effect.” It was issued using the Congressional Review Act, a mechanism allowing Congress to overturn federal regulations. Since the act’s 1996 introduction, 20 such rules have been overturned through its use.  

The measure faces an uphill battle clearing the Democrat-controlled Senate.