California is teaming up with 11 other states to promote clean vehicles. This move comes after the U.S. Senate voted to take away California’s ability to set its own air quality standards. The new group, called the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, aims to speed up the shift to cleaner vehicles, support American car manufacturers and workers, and uphold the rights of states to maintain clean air.
The coalition is led by the U.S. Climate Alliance, which includes 24 governors working together on climate issues. Along with California, the states involved are Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
This coalition forms in response to a Senate vote that occurred on a Thursday. The Senate voted to block California’s groundbreaking rule that would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. This rule was part of a broader effort to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. The measure now heads to the White House, where President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law.
In a statement, the coalition expressed its frustration, saying that the federal government is prioritizing polluters over the health of the public. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring clean air for all Americans. The group plans to continue working together and using their authority under the Clean Air Act to protect communities from pollution, create jobs, and provide access to cleaner and more affordable cars.