Sw Louisiana News

Congressmen Clay Higgins and William Timmons have introduced a bill aimed at repealing a procedural rule set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning new chemical reviews under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The legislation employs the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to address what they describe as regulatory burdens on America's chemical manufacturers and refiners.

The rule in question, established by the previous administration, targeted production regulations and eliminated certain volume exemptions for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Issued in December 2024, it has reportedly caused delays and uncertainty in the premanufacture review process. The regulations have affected at least 195 sites nationwide, including many in Louisiana, impacting industries such as healthcare, semiconductors, automotive, and aerospace.

"The rule set forth by the former administration’s EPA is detrimental to America’s chemical manufacturers. It undermines American jobs and domestic operations," stated Congressman Higgins. "Our legislation restores balance to the regulatory process and protects domestic production of chemical compounds that have significant real-world applications."

Congressman Timmons echoed these concerns: "The Biden administration’s EPA regulations threaten to force innovation overseas and put good-paying jobs at risk. Our legislation rolls back this harmful overregulation and ensures that American businesses can continue to innovate, compete, and thrive in the international market."

The CRA allows Congress to express disapproval of executive branch decisions. If both chambers approve a resolution under this act, it can be sent to the President for final consideration.