The Senate has voted to block California’s groundbreaking rule that aimed to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. This decision marks a significant setback for efforts to transition to electric vehicles in the U.S. The vote took place on Thursday, and the measure is expected to be signed by President Trump, who has been promoting fossil fuel use.
This legislation not only targets the gas-powered car ban but also seeks to overturn California’s rules on tailpipe emissions and nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. The Senate approved all three measures, which had already passed in the House earlier this month.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed strong opposition to this move, stating that the actions of Congress are illegal and that the state plans to sue to uphold its regulations. Newsom emphasized that this issue goes beyond electric vehicles; it’s about allowing polluters to continue harming the environment.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed this sentiment, indicating that the state would challenge the way Republicans pushed the measures through Congress. The Senate Republicans used a narrow exception to the filibuster to facilitate the votes.
California, which accounts for about 11% of the U.S. car market, has significant influence over vehicle purchasing trends. Many other states often follow California’s lead on environmental regulations. The state’s aggressive push to curb air pollution has been a cornerstone of its policy, as vehicles are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Democrats in the Senate argue that Republicans are siding with the oil and gas industry and that California should maintain its authority to set its own standards, especially after receiving waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Senator Adam Schiff from California warned that this vote could threaten the rights of states to create their own laws for the benefit of their residents. He expressed concern that the federal government is overstepping its bounds.
On the other hand, Republicans argue that California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars is impractical and costly for both consumers and manufacturers. They claim it places undue stress on the energy grid and effectively mandates electric vehicle sales nationwide.
In 2020, Newsom announced plans to eliminate the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles within 15 years. This initiative included allowances for plug-in hybrids and used gas cars. The Biden administration had previously approved California’s stricter standards, which go beyond the emissions rules set during Biden’s presidency.
The controversy surrounding California’s environmental policies has been ongoing, with Republicans consistently seeking ways to overturn them. A recent ruling indicated that California’s policies are not subject to the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to reject federal regulations. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune found a way to push through the votes regardless.
This recent development has raised alarm among Democrats, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent for state rights. Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the move as a significant shift in Senate practices.
Only one Democrat, Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan, supported the bill to block the gas-powered vehicle phaseout, citing the impact on Michigan’s auto industry. Meanwhile, industry leaders have expressed concerns that the sales targets for electric vehicles are unrealistic given current consumer trends.
The situation remains tense as California prepares to fight back against this federal action, signaling a continued battle over environmental regulations and state rights in the years to come.