Bill · H.R. 8440· House(119-HR-8440)
ZELDIN Act
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Troy Carter
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ZELDIN Act, requires the EPA Administrator to obtain congressional approval before dismissing lawsuits or withdrawing claims regarding the release of certain carcinogens. It establishes a specific, expedited process for House and Senate consideration of joint resolutions of approval. The Act also mandates that the EPA's Office of General Counsel must determine if grant or cooperative agreement terminations comply with existing rules and regulations. Additionally, it restricts how funds can be deobligated during pending judicial proceedings. The bill provides for judicial relief, including damages and attorney's fees, for those harmed by violations. Finally, it sets specific requirements for regulatory and economic analyses and includes a sunset date of January 20, 2029.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill adds oversight by requiring congressional approval before the EPA can dismiss lawsuits or withdraw claims related to the release of carcinogens.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill increases congressional oversight over the EPA's ability to dismiss legal claims regarding carcinogens.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates public notice to Congress regarding the dismissal of lawsuits or withdrawal of claims involving carcinogens.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of Carcinogen Claims: The Administrator of the EPA can only dismiss lawsuits or withdraw referrals related to the release of certain carcinogens if a joint resolution of approval is enacted (Section 2).
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Protection of Grant Funding During Disputes: Amounts awarded via grants or cooperative agreements cannot be deobligated or returned to the Treasury until all administrative processes and civil actions are completed (Section 4).
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Protection Against Future Application Denials: A head of a Federal agency cannot consider a recipient's failure to close out a grant during a pending judicial proceeding when deciding on future grant awards (Section 4).
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Access to Legal Remedies: Individuals harmed by a violation of this Act can seek injunctive relief, damages (including punitive damages), and reasonable attorney's fees in court (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Penalty for the Administrator: If a court finds the Administrator violated the rules regarding lawsuits or grant terminations, the Administrator's annual basic pay could be reduced to $1 (Section 6).
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Restrictions on Grant Terminations: The Administrator is prohibited from terminating a grant or cooperative agreement unless the Office of General Counsel determines the termination complies with specific rules and regulations in effect at the time the grant was issued (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Due Process+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Union Workers+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+1
- 4/22/2026
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Lizzie FletcherDemocrat · Texas