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BILL • US SENATE
SRES 562

A resolution recognizing that ozone pollution can cause lung disease, asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive issues.

119th Congress
Introduced by Tammy Duckworth, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey and 6 other co-sponsors

Pushes EPA to cut smog via methane rules, lowering health risks for U.S. residents—especially children and the vulnerable—and boosting crop yields.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary • SRES 562

SRES 562 – Senate Resolution on Ozone (Smog) Pollution

(Introduced 17 Dec 2025; referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works)

1. Purpose & Intent

  • Recognize the health risks of ground‑level ozone (smog).
  • Call for action from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce smog‑related health burdens, particularly through supporting robust implementation of the 2024 methane‑emission standards that help lower ozone levels.

2. Key Provisions

Provision What it says What it means for policy/implementation
(1) Acknowledgement of health harms Ozone pollution can cause lung disease, asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive issues. Sets a factual baseline for subsequent policy discussions and legislative priorities.
(2) EPA’s role The EPA should act to reduce smog pollution and support the 2024 methane standards. Encourages the agency to enforce or expand methane‑reduction rules, which historically lower ozone precursors.
Supporting Facts • In 2021, smog contributed 489 k global deaths and 14 k U.S. deaths. • Smog lowers crop yields, with losses estimated at $79–$121 million in metric tons annually. • Methane‑emissions are a key contributor to smog, especially in central U.S. states. Provides evidence‑based context for the resolution’s calls.

3. Who or What Is Affected

Group Impact
US residents Especially children and those with pre‑existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions; the resolution underscores potential health benefits of cleaner air.
Agricultural sector Possible modest gains from improved crop yields, though the resolution does not provide direct aid.
Energy & industrial sectors May face increased scrutiny or compliance requirements under EPA methane standards.
EPA Strengthened mandate to enforce climate‑air‑quality rules; potential administrative demands.

4. Procedural Overview & Timeline

  1. Introduction – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (and co‑sponsors) introduced SRES 562 on 17 Dec 2025.
  2. Committee Referral – Sent to the Committee on Environment and Public Works on the same day.
  3. Current Status – The resolution is still pending further action (no further votes or rules yet).
  4. Potential Next Steps – If reported out, the resolution could be brought to the Senate floor for a vote, or it could influence future environmental legislation (e.g., a bill to amend or strengthen the EPA’s 2024 methane standards).

5. Related Legislation

  • SRES 560 – A companion resolution that likely addresses similar environmental concerns or provides complementary language.

6. Summary

SRES 562 is a non‑binding Senate resolution that formally acknowledges the severe health and economic harms caused by ground‑level ozone (smog). By urging the EPA to focus on smog reductions—particularly through the agency’s existing 2024 methane regulations—the resolution seeks to strengthen public‑health protections and support the implementation of emissions controls that indirectly reduce ozone precursors. While it carries no legal force, the resolution reflects congressional intent and may guide future statutory or regulatory action targeting air‑quality improvements.

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Key Provisions Impacts Timeline
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