No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes in a new section 330 of the Clean Air Act a requirement for congressional approval, via enactment of a joint resolution, prior to any use or extension by the President, EPA Administrator, or other federal officials of specified exemptions (covered exemptions) under CAA sections 118(b) (federal facilities compliance), 248(e) (nonroad engine standards), and 604(f) (stratospheric ozone protection for certain products). (Thus, such exemptions have no force or effect absent congressional approval.) It directs the President to transmit a special message to Congress (and the Comptroller General) describing each proposed covered exemption, including its duration, legal justification, supporting facts and analysis, and estimated effects; requires referral to congressional committees, printing in the Congressional Record and Federal Register, and monthly cumulative reports; and mandates Comptroller General review and notification to Congress on factual accuracy and statutory compliance. Supplementary messages are required for any revisions, with corresponding reviews and notifications.
This section repeals EPA's authority under Clean Air Act Section 112(i)(4) to exempt major sources of hazardous air pollutants from maximum achievable control technology (MACT) compliance schedules due to technological or economic infeasibility. (As background, MACT standards regulate emissions of 187 listed hazardous air pollutants from major stationary sources; the repealed provision previously allowed up to two one-year extensions or longer exemptions with public notice and congressional review.) It makes conforming amendments to update statutory cross-references.