Analyses / Public Summary / 119 · SJRES 106 Public Summary

119-SJRES-106 Journalist Public Summary

119 · SJRES 106 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Deadline Extensions".

eco Environmental Protection

A Senate resolution would overturn an EPA rule that extends certain wastewater compliance deadlines for coal‑fired power plants; if enacted under the Congressional Review Act, the extension would have no force or effect. (congress.gov)

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Published
06 Feb 2026
Updated
06 Feb 2026
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public-summary · environment · cra
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Public Summary — 119-SJRES-106

Headline Summary: Congress is considering a measure to block an EPA year‑end rule that delays some wastewater cleanup deadlines for coal‑fired power plants. (gao.gov)

What It Does: S.J.Res. 106 uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the EPA’s “Deadline Extensions” rule for the Steam Electric Power Generating category (published December 31, 2025, 90 Fed. Reg. 61328; effective March 2, 2026). If a CRA disapproval becomes law, the targeted rule “shall not take effect (or continue)” and generally may not be reissued in substantially the same form. In plain terms, passing this resolution would cancel EPA’s deadline extensions and prevent the agency from issuing a substantially similar extension without new congressional authorization. (gao.gov)

  • Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI). (congress.gov)
  • Supporters say the resolution would keep in place the stronger wastewater limits and timelines adopted in EPA’s 2024 steam‑electric rule, which targeted toxic discharges from coal plants. (epa.gov)
  • Opponents (those preferring to keep EPA’s extension) argue plants need more time and flexibility due to market conditions, demand swings, and supply‑chain delays; EPA also projected industry cost savings from the extension. (regulations.justia.com)

What’s Next: On February 4, 2026, the resolution was read twice and sent to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. From there, it could receive committee consideration and, under the CRA, may be eligible for expedited procedures in the Senate; to take effect, it must pass both chambers and be signed by the President (or enacted over a veto). (congress.gov)

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