House wrap: Texas Republicans vow to fight EPA ruling through resolution

Texas Republicans tonight declared that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared "war" against Texas, and said they would fight a recent ruling that stripped the ability of state regulators to write their own rules to comply with the Clean Air Act.

Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) today introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the EPA's decision. The EPA in late December said it would take over the job of issuing clean air permits in Texas because that state has refused to comply with new EPA rules that regulate carbon dioxide.

The CRA allows Congress to pass a resolution disapproving of a regulation, and allows it to be discharged from committee in the Senate if just 30 senators sign a petition. Texas House members tonight cited that as an achievable goal for passing the resolution.

Carter was joined tonight by Texas Reps. Louie Gohmert and Joe Barton in protest of the EPA. Gohmert charged that the decision is part of the Obama administration's "war on jobs," and Barton argued that the EPA is being punitive toward Texas even though air quality has improved there.

In a statement today, Carter said the EPA's decision is "precisely the kind of situation for which the CRA was intended as a legislative remedy."

The House adjourned immediately after the Texas Reps' remarks about the EPA. The House reconvenes tomorrow at 10 a.m.