House Votes to Block California’s Gas Vehicle Ban

News Summary

The House of Representatives voted 246-164 to oppose California’s ambitious rule to ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This bipartisan resolution reflects mounting tension over climate regulations and the authority of Congress versus state laws. Critics argue that the ban could reduce consumer choices and raise vehicle prices, while proponents highlight its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As California prepares to defend its waiver, the outcome in the Senate remains uncertain, with significant implications for environmental policy at both state and federal levels.

California—The House of Representatives voted 246-164 on Thursday to block a proposed rule from California that aims to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by the year 2035. This decision comes as a significant pushback against one of the most ambitious climate policies in the nation, targeting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the promotion of electric vehicles.

This resolution garnered support from 35 Democrats alongside the Republican majority, indicating a bipartisan effort to oppose California’s stringent vehicle regulations. However, the future of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate, where a vote has not yet been confirmed, and the response to the House resolution is still being evaluated.

Notably, the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office have previously stated that Congress lacks the authority to overturn California’s climate policies. This ruling challenges the legitimacy of the House’s recent actions. California’s rule, approved in 2022, has already received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allowing it to enforce emissions standards that are stricter than the federal government’s requirements.

California’s ambitious plan is not solitary; eleven other states, which together represent approximately 40% of the U.S. auto market, have pledged to adopt similar measures by 2035. These states aim to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles. Environmental advocates have applauded California and these participating states, highlighting their efforts to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

On the other side of the debate, critics, including many Republican lawmakers and business groups, argue that such regulations could reduce consumer choice and lead to higher prices for vehicles. Congressman John Joyce was integral in introducing the resolution to revoke California’s waiver under the Congressional Review Act, insisting that Congress should maintain regulatory power over the interstate automotive market.

As the situation unfolds, Congressman Paul Tonko has expressed concerns that passing this resolution could establish a dangerous precedent that might undermine other critical regulatory actions, including those related to Medicaid and energy permits. Meanwhile, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who sponsored the Senate resolution, indicated that her team is considering options for proceeding despite the parliamentarian’s ruling against the waiver’s rescindment.

Corporate advocacy groups representing automakers and oil refiners have lobbied for the removal of the waiver, claiming that California’s rules are “unachievable” and could threaten jobs within the auto industry. Conversely, advocates for climate action and public health have warned that revoking California’s waiver would jeopardize air quality and public health not only in California but also in other states that have adopted similar regulations.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has indicated that if Congress succeeds in overturning the waiver, the state is likely to pursue legal challenges. Under the current Biden administration, California has been granted three waivers from the EPA to enforce its vehicle emissions rules, reflecting a continued alignment between state and federal environmental goals.

The actions taken on the House floor signify potential broader implications for state-level regulatory authority in environmental policy, raising questions about the balance of power between federal and state governance in addressing climate change. As the legislative journey continues, the stakes remain high for both proponents and opponents of the proposed vehicle ban.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• New York Times: California Air Pollution and Electric Vehicles
• Washington Post: California Cars Waiver House Vote
• AP News: Congress and California’s Vehicle Emissions
• Encyclopedia Britannica: California Climate Policies
• Edhat: Trump Targets California Climate Laws
• Google Search: California Climate Change Regulations