Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have taken a significant step toward repealing a federal waiver that allows California to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This policy has faced criticism from various groups, including automakers and fuel producers, as well as from former President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, the House voted 246-164 in favor of rolling back an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization granted under President Joe Biden. This waiver enabled California to set stricter emissions standards than federal guidelines, aiming to boost the sales of electric and zero-emission vehicles. Notably, 35 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the repeal.
The Senate now has until mid-May to consider the repeal of these waivers. However, a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian, who oversees legislative rules, indicates that the waivers may not be eligible for repeal under the Congressional Review Act, the method Republicans are using to challenge them.
This vote follows another recent House decision to revoke EPA waivers that allowed California to require the sale of zero-emission trucks and to limit nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. The push to repeal these environmental measures comes amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to reverse many of Biden’s climate policies while promoting fossil fuels.
California’s regulations, which would also affect states like New York and Washington, are designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by 2040. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, argues that this shift to electric vehicles is essential for reducing pollution in the state. He criticized the House vote, claiming it contradicts decades of precedent and is influenced by big polluters.
Opponents of California’s rules, including automaker Toyota and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argue that these measures are unrealistic and could lead to higher car prices and fewer choices for consumers, especially as they adjust to recent tariffs on imported vehicles.
Environmental advocates have condemned the House’s actions, saying they disregard the Senate parliamentarian’s guidance and undermine the rule of law. If the Senate fails to overturn the waiver, the EPA would need to initiate an administrative process to revoke the rules, which could take years.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, is leading the Senate’s efforts to repeal the California waivers. She stated that she is exploring all options to address the rules in the Senate. The outcome of this political battle could have lasting implications for California’s ambitious environmental goals and the broader automotive industry in the U.S.