hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Blocks EPA rule extending climate review deadlines for oil and gas.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Introduced in Senate, awaiting committee review.
This joint resolution seeks to use Congress's power to reject a specific rule made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question is about extending deadlines for climate reviews in the oil and natural gas sectors. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, introduced this bill. It is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate, meaning it has not yet been voted on by either chamber of Congress.
Introduced Mar 9, 2026
This bill has just been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. For it to become law, it would need to pass through this committee, be voted on and approved by the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President. If it passes, it uses a special process (Congressional Review Act) to overturn an agency rule.
If this resolution passes, the EPA's planned extension of deadlines for climate reviews in the oil and natural gas sector would be blocked. This means companies in these sectors would continue to operate under existing, likely shorter, deadlines for climate-related compliance. Ultimately, this could lead to quicker implementation of environmental standards or reporting requirements for oil and gas operations than if the EPA's extension was allowed.
Supporters Say
Supporters likely want to maintain stricter oversight on the oil and gas industry's climate impact.
Critics Say
Critics might argue the EPA's deadline extension provides necessary flexibility for the energy sector.
Those in favor of this resolution believe that extending these deadlines could weaken environmental protections or delay necessary climate action from the oil and gas industry. Opponents of the resolution (who would support the EPA's original rule) might argue that the industry needs more time to adapt to complex climate review requirements, or that the EPA's extension was a reasonable adjustment.