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House Votes to Overturn California Ban on Gasoline Cars
Republicans are making progress in their efforts to repeal a federal waiver that would allow California to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035. The U.S. House approved a measure in a 246-164 vote that rolls back an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization under former President Biden, which enabled California to implement more stringent emissions standards aimed at promoting electric and zero-emission vehicles. The move received bipartisan support, with 35 Democrats joining Republicans in favor of the repeal.
The next step is for the Senate, which has a deadline to vote by mid-May. However, any vote might require overriding a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian about the eligibility of the waivers for repeal under the Congressional Review Act. The House also previously passed measures to repeal waivers that mandated zero-emission truck sales and limited nitrogen oxide pollution from heavy-duty vehicles.
California's emissions standards were designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2040 and were also set to be adopted by other states that followed California's lead. Nevertheless, there is considerable opposition from various stakeholders, including automakers and trade organizations, who argue that these regulations are unattainable and could lead to higher car prices and reduced options for consumers—especially during a time when tariffs on imported vehicles are already impacting the market.
Environmental advocates criticize congressional Republicans for attempting to override the Senate parliamentarian's ruling, viewing this as a political maneuver to support the fossil fuel industry at the expense of environmental progress. If the repeal fails in the Senate, the EPA will have to begin the lengthy process of dismantling the rules administratively.
In the context of transportation, it is clear that the trajectory towards electrification is facing significant political headwinds. This situation underscores the challenges of balancing regulatory intentions aimed at sustainability with market realities and industry resistance. The outcome of this legislative battle could shape the future of vehicle standards not just in California, but across the United States, influencing the pace of the transition to electric mobility and the automotive industry's response to environmental concerns.
The next step is for the Senate, which has a deadline to vote by mid-May. However, any vote might require overriding a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian about the eligibility of the waivers for repeal under the Congressional Review Act. The House also previously passed measures to repeal waivers that mandated zero-emission truck sales and limited nitrogen oxide pollution from heavy-duty vehicles.
California's emissions standards were designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2040 and were also set to be adopted by other states that followed California's lead. Nevertheless, there is considerable opposition from various stakeholders, including automakers and trade organizations, who argue that these regulations are unattainable and could lead to higher car prices and reduced options for consumers—especially during a time when tariffs on imported vehicles are already impacting the market.
Environmental advocates criticize congressional Republicans for attempting to override the Senate parliamentarian's ruling, viewing this as a political maneuver to support the fossil fuel industry at the expense of environmental progress. If the repeal fails in the Senate, the EPA will have to begin the lengthy process of dismantling the rules administratively.
In the context of transportation, it is clear that the trajectory towards electrification is facing significant political headwinds. This situation underscores the challenges of balancing regulatory intentions aimed at sustainability with market realities and industry resistance. The outcome of this legislative battle could shape the future of vehicle standards not just in California, but across the United States, influencing the pace of the transition to electric mobility and the automotive industry's response to environmental concerns.