Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant move, the U.S. Senate has approved a measure aimed at overturning the Biden administration's greenhouse emissions performance measure final rule imposed on state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). The resolution was co-sponsored by Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito and sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer.

The Senate passed the Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval by a vote of 53-47, marking a rejection of the administration's attempt to enforce emissions targets on state DOTs and MPOs. Senator Capito emphasized the importance of upholding the bipartisan infrastructure law, stating, "Today, the Senate rejected the Biden administration’s attempt to ignore the letter of the bipartisan infrastructure law and impose its extreme climate agenda on states across the country." She also highlighted the lack of authority for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in issuing such a regulation.

Capito expressed satisfaction in the bipartisan support for the resolution, noting, "I’m glad a bipartisan group of colleagues joined us in sending a clear message to the administration that we will continue to hold them accountable for executive overreach."

The resolution, introduced by Capito and Cramer, was a response to the FHWA's rule in 2023, which mandated emissions targets in a manner that was excluded from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Senate's decision aligns with the stance taken by two federal district courts earlier this year, which also deemed the performance measure unauthorized by law.

A companion version of the resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives, demonstrating a unified effort across both chambers of Congress. The resolution was led by Representatives Sam Graves and Rick Crawford, emphasizing the widespread concern over the emissions mandate.

The resolution of disapproval text and additional letters of support from stakeholders are available for further review. The joint effort by lawmakers reflects a commitment to ensuring that regulatory actions align with the legislative framework and avoid overreach in executive decisions.