# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of EPA Air Pollution Rule for Indiana

This bill is Congress's way of saying "no" to a specific Environmental Protection Agency rule about air pollution in Indiana. Here's what that means in practical terms: The EPA created new rules about how much pollution Indiana can emit as part of something called the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. This rule is designed to limit air pollution that drifts from one state to another, affecting air quality across the country. Congress is trying to block this particular EPA rule for Indiana using a special fast-track process that allows them to overturn regulations without going through the normal legislative process.

The real-world impact depends on which side of this debate you're on. If this bill passes, Indiana would essentially get relief from the EPA's pollution limits, at least temporarily. That could mean less strict requirements for power plants, factories, and other industrial facilities in the state—potentially saving them money on pollution control equipment and operations. However, it could also mean dirtier air in Indiana and potentially in neighboring states, since air pollution doesn't respect state borders. People with asthma, children, and the elderly would likely be most affected by any increase in air pollution. On the flip side, if the bill fails, the EPA's rules stay in place, which means stricter pollution controls but potentially cleaner air for residents.

This type of bill reflects a broader political disagreement about environmental regulation. Those supporting it typically argue the EPA is overreaching and hurting the economy, while those opposing it argue that protecting air quality is worth the cost to businesses. The outcome will likely depend on whether enough members of Congress believe Indiana's economic interests outweigh the public health concerns about air pollution.

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 "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update".

Whitehouse, Sheldon

This joint resolution nullifies the&nbsp;Environmental Protection Agency interim final rule titled&nbsp;Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update published on May 20, 2025 (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/20/2025-08964/emissions-budget-and-allowance-allocations-for-indiana-under-the-revised-cross-state-air-pollution">90 Federal Register&nbsp;21423</a>).The interim final rule increases the permissible nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions from Indiana electricity generating units (EGUs) from May through September during&nbsp;2024 and subsequent years.