Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Science, Space, and Technology, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The ZELDIN Act would require the Environmental Protection Agency to obtain Congressional approval before dismissing lawsuits or withdrawing claims related to the release of cancer-causing chemicals. When the EPA seeks to drop such a case, it must notify both houses of Congress, which then have 30 days to vote on a joint resolution approving the dismissal; if Congress takes no action, the dismissal cannot proceed. The bill also requires the EPA's legal counsel to review and approve any termination of grants or cooperative agreements to ensure compliance with existing rules and terms, and prevents the agency from deobligation of grant funds until any related lawsuits are fully resolved. The legislation allows individuals harmed by violations to sue for damages up to $1,000 per violation or treble damages in cases of bad faith, and courts could reduce the EPA Administrator's salary to $1 if violations are found. Additionally, the bill codifies specific EPA rulemaking procedures and economic analysis guidelines, and expires on January 20, 2029.
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