Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".
A Democratic resolution with no cosponsors
Last activity — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 135. (CR S2509)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
How Congress voted
- See who voted how →A vote on whether to start debating something · 06/03/2026
What this bill would do
This joint resolution seeks to provide congressional disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule in question involves "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal." If passed, the resolution would ensure that the rule has no force or effect. The resolution was introduced by Mr. Whitehouse in the Senate.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The resolution prevents the repeal of emission standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants, thereby maintaining limits on hazardous air pollutants.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The resolution preserves existing EPA standards meant to limit hazardous air pollutants from utility steam generating units.
- Scored +3
Would people in cities be better off under this?
Maintaining emission standards helps reduce air pollution levels often concentrated in urban industrial areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The Senate: a vote on whether to start debating something This decides only whether the chamber takes the measure up at all. Nothing about the measure itself has been decided when it passes. Blocked 46 yes · 53 no
06/03/2026 · Roll call 135 · recorded as “On the Motion to Proceed S.J.Res. 188”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Prevention of Rule Effect: By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the "Final Repeal" of the emission standards from taking effect (S.J. Res. 188).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text: The provided text does not list any negative consequences or burdens resulting from this resolution.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Maintaining emission standards helps reduce air pollution levels often concentrated in urban industrial areas. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Maintaining air pollution standards helps mitigate the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on minority communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Maintaining air pollution standards helps mitigate the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on minority communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Maintaining air pollution standards helps mitigate the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on minority communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Maintaining air quality standards can reduce health-related costs and environmental burdens that disproportionately affect low-income communities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Maintaining air pollution standards helps mitigate the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on minority communities. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Maintaining air pollution standards helps mitigate the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on minority communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The resolution preserves existing EPA standards meant to limit hazardous air pollutants from utility steam generating units. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The resolution prevents the repeal of emission standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants, thereby maintaining limits on hazardous air pollutants.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The resolution uses congressional authority to prevent an agency from implementing a rule that would have relaxed federal environmental oversight.
- 6/3/2026
- Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 135. (CR S2509)
- 5/12/2026
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 409.
- 4/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate