For Immediate Release: May 20, 2011

Carter Applauds EPA Rule Withdrawal

Urges House to continue pressure on new red tape with Congressional Review Act

(ROUND ROCK, TEXAS) – The EPA withdrawal of job-killing new regulations on major source boilers and industrial incinerators should encourage Congress to keep up the oversight pressure on new red tape with the Congressional Review Act, according to House Republican Conference Secretary John Carter.  

“I applaud the EPA in listening to the voice of common sense on these new standards for boilers and incinerators, and being willing to accept new input in how best to increase environmental protection without needlessly costing American jobs,” says Carter.   “While this victory is due to tremendous efforts across the country seeking the stay, I am pleased that the legislative oversight we have been applying through the revival of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) has played a role.”

Carter has led House efforts to re-establish Congressional oversight over the rulemaking of federal agencies in the 112^th Congress, and has launched multiple CRA challenges of new federal regulations including the introduction of four bills this month that would have specifically blocked the regulations put on hold by the EPA.   

Under the stay on the new regulations, the public will have until July 15 to submit new input and suggestions on the rules.  The rules had been finalized on February 15.  
  

The Congressional Review Act allows Congress 60 legislative days from the time a final regulation is presented to block the new rule with a simple resolution of disapproval passed by the House and Senate and signed by the President.  Unlike legislation, a CRA resolution cannot be filibustered in the Senate and must be brought up for a straight vote with the co-sponsorship of just 30 Senators, making the CRA the most effective legislative tool in the 112^th Congress to overcome Senate deadlock.