Congress Votes to Repeal Rubber Tire Emissions Rule

Congress has voted to overturn a Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency rule that would have required U.S. rubber tire manufacturers to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from their manufacturing processes. The rule, finalized in November, targeted previously unregulated emissions and was expected to cut total hydrocarbons and filterable particulate matter by about 171 tons per year. The resolution to repeal the rule, introduced by Republican lawmakers, passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the president's decision. Proponents of the rule argued it was necessary to address health and environmental risks posed by chemicals and compounds released during tire production, in line with Clean Air Act requirements. Opponents contended that the rule relied on questionable emissions data and would provide negligible health benefits. The rule's repeal is part of a broader Congressional effort to reverse environmental regulations established during the Biden administration.