Congressional Bills H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89 Signed into Law

6/12/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Signed Legislation: President signed H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 into law on June 12, 2025.
Scope of Disapproval: Each resolution provides congressional disapproval of specific rules submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
H.J. Res. 87 Details: Disapproval of the EPA rule on California state motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, including heavy-duty vehicle and engine emission warranty and maintenance provisions, advanced clean trucks, zero emission airport shuttles, zero-emission power train certification, waiver of preemption, and notice of decision.
H.J. Res. 88 Details: Disapproval of the EPA rule on California state motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards for advanced clean cars II, including waiver of preemption and notice of decision.
H.J. Res. 89 Details: Disapproval of the EPA rule on California state motor vehicle and engine and nonroad engine pollution control standards, covering the “Omnibus” Low NOX Regulation, waiver of preemption, and notice of decision.

Risks & Considerations

The signing of H.J. Res. 87, 88, and 89 into law represents a significant shift in federal policy regarding environmental regulations, particularly those related to vehicle emissions. This could lead to increased regulatory uncertainty for industries involved in automotive manufacturing and environmental compliance.
These resolutions may impact research and development initiatives at Vanderbilt University, particularly those focused on environmental science, engineering, and public policy. The disapproval of California’s stringent emission standards could alter the focus and funding of related research projects.
There is a potential risk that the rollback of these standards could lead to increased pollution levels, which may have broader public health implications. This could affect research in health sciences and environmental health at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt may need to consider how these changes in environmental policy could affect its sustainability initiatives and partnerships with organizations focused on clean energy and environmental protection.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt School of Engineering may need to adjust its research focus and funding strategies in response to changes in federal environmental regulations, particularly in areas related to automotive engineering and emissions control technologies.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see shifts in research priorities and funding opportunities, necessitating strategic adjustments to align with new federal policies.
Public Policy Studies programs at Vanderbilt may need to incorporate these legislative changes into their curriculum, providing students with insights into the evolving landscape of environmental regulation and policy.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center might need to consider the potential public health impacts of increased emissions and adjust its research and community health initiatives accordingly.

Financial Impact

The disapproval of California’s emission standards could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and research funding related to environmental science and engineering at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources for research projects that were previously aligned with stricter emission standards and environmental regulations.
There could be opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in new partnerships and collaborations with industries and organizations adapting to the revised regulatory environment.
The university’s sustainability initiatives may require additional resources or adjustments to align with the new federal policies and maintain their effectiveness.

Relevance Score: 4 (The legislative changes present a need for potential major adjustments in research focus and funding strategies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program should assess the impact of the disapproval of EPA rules on research and educational initiatives related to vehicle emissions and environmental standards. This may involve adjusting curriculum and research focus to align with new federal standards and exploring partnerships with industries affected by these changes.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor further legislative actions related to environmental regulations and engage with policymakers to advocate for research funding and support for sustainability initiatives that align with Vanderbilt’s goals.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could explore opportunities to innovate in the field of clean vehicle technology and emissions reduction, potentially seeking federal grants or private partnerships to support research and development in response to the changing regulatory landscape.
The Vanderbilt Law School should consider offering seminars or workshops on the implications of federal disapproval of state-level environmental regulations, providing students and faculty with insights into the legal and policy challenges in environmental law.

Opportunities

The disapproval of EPA rules presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to position themselves as leaders in developing alternative solutions for emissions reduction and environmental protection, potentially attracting new funding and collaboration opportunities.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in environmental policy to contribute to national discussions on sustainable practices and regulatory frameworks, enhancing its reputation as a thought leader in environmental sustainability.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to changes in environmental regulations and potential impacts on research and educational programs.)

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No specific deadlines or timelines for implementation are provided within the text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is directly impacted as congressional resolutions have been enacted to disapprove several of its emission control rules concerning motor vehicles and engines.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one major agency, the EPA, is directly impacted by the resolutions.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text is a legislative summary and does not include explicit implementation directives for any specific official.

Relevance Score: 1 (The directive does not assign responsibilities to any official and is not impactful to agency management levels.)