The “Stop the EPA Act” calls for a retroactive review of all EPA regulations and Congressional approval for major EPA actions.

On July 9, 2014, Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced the Stop the EPA Act of 2014 (H.R. 5034) that would stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations until EPA completes a review of its existing regulations.  The legislation aims to prevent EPA from bypassing Congress in developing new regulations.

H.R. 5034 would call for a retroactive review of past EPA regulations and require regulations with an economic impact of more than $50M to be sent to Congress for approval; it would repeal regulations that are not approved by Congress.  Further, the legislation would require new proposed regulations with an economic impact of more than $50M to be approved by Congress to take effect.  EPA would be prohibited from proposing new regulations until the completion of the retroactive review and Congressional action for approval.

Projected Timelines for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Power Plants under June 2013 Presidential Memorandum (bipartisanpolicy)

Rep. Graves expects H.R. 5034 to protect middle class families and small businesses from EPA’s regulatory agenda, which would impose additional obligations and compliance costs to regulated entities.  A few of EPA’s current rulemakings include emissions regulations for fossil fuel-fired power plants, redefining federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, and blending mandates for renewable fuels, among others.  Among the major proceedings this year, EPA released proposed emissions standards for new power plants in January and emissions guidelines for development of state plans addressing existing power plants in June.

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