# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of EPA Chemical Regulations

This bill is Congress's way of saying "no" to a rule that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created. Specifically, it's blocking an EPA regulation that would have restricted two chemicals: decabromodiphenyl ether (a flame retardant) and phenol, isopropylated phosphate (a chemical used in various products). These are classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals, which means they stick around in the environment, build up in living organisms over time, and can cause harm.

Under a law called the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has the power to regulate dangerous chemicals. The EPA created a rule to control these two chemicals because they meet the criteria for being especially hazardous. However, Congress is using a special procedure to reject that EPA rule before it takes effect. If this bill passes, the EPA's restrictions on these chemicals would be blocked, and the chemicals would continue to be used and sold without the new EPA limitations.

The practical impact depends on your perspective. If you work in industries that use these chemicals—like furniture manufacturing, electronics, or construction—this bill would allow you to keep using them without new restrictions. However, if you're concerned about environmental contamination or chemical exposure in consumer products, this bill would mean less protection. The chemicals would remain in products like foam cushions, electronics, and other goods without the EPA's new safeguards in place.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1); Revision to the Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".

Clyde, Andrew S.

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule relating to <em>Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1); Revision to the Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)</em> (89 Fed. Reg. 91486) and published on November 19, 2024. Among other elements, the rule revised regulations for two of the five persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals to address implementation issues and further reduce potential for exposures to such chemicals for humans and the environment (e.g., requiring the use of personal protective equipment during certain activities involving decabromodiphenyl ether).&nbsp;</p>