What does Preamble of ZELDIN Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to seek congressional approval prior to dismissing lawsuits, or withdrawing referrals to the Department of Justice of claims, relating to the release of certain carcinogens, and for other purposes,' aims to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to obtain congressional approval before dismissing lawsuits or withdrawing referrals to the Department of Justice related to claims concerning the release of certain carcinogens. The bill was introduced by Mr. Carter of Louisiana, along with Mrs. Fletcher.

What does SHORT TITLE. of ZELDIN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Zealously Eliminating Legal Decisions of Ineptitude and Negligence Act.

What does CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSAL OF LAWSUITS OR of ZELDIN Act do?

This section establishes a procedure for Congressional approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator's dismissal of lawsuits or withdrawal of referrals related to claims concerning the release of carcinogens. The EPA Administrator must notify both Houses of Congress before dismissing a lawsuit or withdrawing a referral of a covered claim. Congressional approval requires the enactment of a joint resolution of approval. The joint resolution of approval must adhere to specific formatting requirements, including a lack of preamble and a standardized resolving clause referencing the ZELDIN Act. In the House of Representatives, committees have a limited timeframe (3 legislative days) to report the joint resolution without amendment; failure to do so results in committee discharge. Both the House and Senate limit debate on the joint resolution to a maximum of 2 hours, equally divided. Amendments to the joint resolution of approval are not permitted in either the House or the Senate. If one House receives a joint resolution of approval from the other, it is not referred to a committee and the vote on passage is on the other House's resolution.

What does CONSULTATION PRIOR TO TERMINATION OF GRANTS. of ZELDIN Act do?

This section establishes a consultation process before the Administrator can terminate grants or cooperative agreements. The Administrator must consult with the Office of General Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to termination. The EPA Office of General Counsel determines if a termination complies with OMB and EPA regulations and the grant's terms and conditions. The Administrator is prohibited from terminating a grant or cooperative agreement unless the EPA Office of General Counsel determines compliance.

What does PRESERVATION OF OBLIGATIONS OF GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE of ZELDIN Act do?

This section prohibits the deobligation or return to the Treasury of grant or cooperative agreement amounts until pending or filed civil actions and administrative processes are completed. Amounts awarded as grants or cooperative agreements cannot be deemed unobligated unless the funds are expended or the grant/agreement is terminated. Federal agencies may not consider a recipient's failure to close out a grant or cooperative agreement when determining future awards if a judicial proceeding contesting the termination is pending. Federal agencies may not include information regarding a recipient's failure to close out a grant or cooperative agreement in Federal reporting systems during a judicial proceeding contesting termination.

What does JUDICIAL RELIEF. of ZELDIN Act do?

This section outlines judicial relief available to individuals harmed by a violation of the Act. A person harmed may bring an action against the Administrator in a U.S. district court. Available relief includes injunctive relief and damages. Damages can be the greater of compensatory and punitive damages, or $1,000 per violation. In cases of bad faith, damages may be tripled. Plaintiffs may also recover costs, including reasonable attorney's fees.

What does PENALTY. of ZELDIN Act do?

This section outlines a penalty for the Administrator if a district court finds a violation of sections 2 or 3. If a violation is found, the court may reduce the Administrator's annual rate of basic pay to $1. The pay reduction would take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period following the court's finding.

What does CODIFICATION OF EPA RULEMAKING PROCESSES. of ZELDIN Act do?

This section requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to implement regulatory analysis guidance from Circular No. A-4 issued by the Office of Management and Budget in 2023 when carrying out significant regulatory actions. The EPA Administrator must also prepare economic analyses in accordance with the Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses (3rd edition) issued by the EPA in 2024.

What does SUNSET. of ZELDIN Act do?

This Act is scheduled to expire on January 20, 2029.

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ZELDIN Act

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Troy Carter (D-LA)

TL;DR (AI)

The ZELDIN Act requires the EPA Administrator to obtain congressional approval before dismissing lawsuits or withdrawing referrals related to claims concerning the release of carcinogens.
Before terminating grants or cooperative agreements, the EPA Administrator must consult with the EPA Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with regulations and grant terms.
Individuals harmed by violations of this Act can sue the EPA Administrator in federal district court and potentially recover damages, including punitive damages and attorney's fees.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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