119-SJRES-119 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A joint resolution aims to nullify EPA’s approval of Montana’s regional haze plan for 2018–2028 under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). (regulations.justia.com)

What It Does

The resolution would overturn EPA’s final rule that approved Montana’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the second regional haze planning period, which sets how the state manages haze‑forming pollution that affects views in national parks and wilderness areas. If enacted, the CRA would make EPA’s rule “have no force or effect” and bar the agency from issuing a new rule that is “substantially the same” unless Congress later authorizes it. (regulations.justia.com)

Why that matters: the plan influences visibility and air quality in Class I areas like Glacier National Park and nearby wilderness complexes that Montanans and visitors value for clear views. (epa.gov)

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI). (fastdemocracy.com)
• Environmental and park advocates who criticized EPA’s approval during the public‑comment process are likely to support undoing it (EPA recorded far more comments opposing approval than supporting it). (regulations.justia.com)

Who’s Against It

• Montana Department of Environmental Quality, which welcomed EPA’s approval of the state’s plan. (news.mt.gov)
• EPA under current leadership has emphasized letting states lead on regional haze and factoring grid reliability into guidance—signals consistent with defending recent approvals. (epa.gov)

What’s Next

As of March 9, 2026, the resolution has been read twice and referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. To take effect, it must pass both chambers and be signed by the President (or overcome a veto). A similar Whitehouse effort targeting EPA’s South Dakota haze approval failed to advance in the Senate on January 7, 2026 (43–50), underscoring the uphill path. (fastdemocracy.com)