Update: Murkowski plans ‘resolution of disapproval’ to block EPA emissions rules

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) plans to seek a rarely used congressional “resolution of disapproval” to block EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under its current Clean Air Act powers.

Murkowski is scheduled to speak Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. on the Senate floor about her effort to overturn EPA’s “endangerment finding” this month that greenhouse gases threaten human welfare.

The finding paves the way for the agency to regulate emissions from power plants, cars and other sources. The White House says it wants Congress to pass an emissions law, but warns that EPA is prepared to move ahead if Congress does not act.

The Congressional Review Act of 1996 provides a pathway for Congress to overturn regulations, but it has rarely been employed.

According to her office, Murkowski will “announce her plan to introduce a disapproval resolution to veto EPA regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.”

Resolutions of disapproval are referred to the relevant committee of jurisdiction, and if the committee does not act within 20 calendar days, it can be discharged and brought to the floor with a petition by 30 members.