U.S. House Blocks California’s Gas-Powered Vehicle Ban

News Summary

In a recent vote, the U.S. House of Representatives blocked California’s plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Supported by 211 Republicans and 35 Democrats, the legislation aims to revoke an EPA waiver that permitted the ban. Governor Newsom criticized the vote as an illegal use of the Congressional Review Act, highlighting ongoing tensions between state and federal climate policies. This decision comes amid a commitment from other states to adopt similar regulations, indicating the contentious debate over emissions standards and consumer choices in the automotive market.

California — On May 1, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 246-164 to block California’s plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. This significant legislative move was formalized through House Joint Resolution 88, aimed at revoking a waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the Biden administration, which had initially allowed California to implement this ban.

The decision was supported by a coalition of 211 Republicans and 35 Democrats, highlighting bipartisan backing against the proposed ban. Among the prominent supporters were Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Oroville), who called the vote a victory for common sense and an expression that California’s agenda should not dictate the vehicle choices available to other states.

In addition to the vote on the gas-powered vehicle ban, the House also passed two other resolutions aimed at withdrawing waivers related to California’s plans for zero-emission trucks and nitrogen oxide emissions standards—both measures indicating congressional dissatisfaction with California’s environmental regulations.

Details of the Ban

The original ban on new gasoline-powered vehicle sales in California was introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom through an executive order in 2020. This order directed the California Air Resources Board to formulate regulations necessary to implement the ban by 2035. Importantly, the executive order does not affect the ability for individuals to own or sell used gasoline-powered vehicles.

Reactions to the Legislative Action

Governor Newsom’s office criticized the recent House vote, arguing that it represents an illegal use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Newsom contended that the actions contradict findings from both the Government Accountability Office and Senate Parliamentarian, which maintain that the CRA does not apply to the California waiver. He also pointed out that the foundations of California’s Clean Air Act can be traced back to former Republican leaders, emphasizing that climate leadership is not strictly a partisan issue.

In a broader sense, eleven other states have indicated their intention to adopt California’s gas-car ban by 2035, representing approximately 40% of the U.S. auto market, which indicates a substantial commitment to reducing emissions and fostering environmentally friendly automotive choices. Environmental advocates argue that California’s proposed regulations would significantly mitigate air pollution and improve public health, while opponents claim such a ban restricts consumer choice.

Controversies and Legislative Implications

Representative John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania) delivered the resolution aimed at rescinding the waiver, emphasizing Congress’s authority over the interstate automotive market. This was further complicated when the Senate Parliamentarian categorized the waiver as not being a regulation subject to CRA. Concerns were raised by several representatives about the potential long-term implications of successfully passing such a resolution, as it could set a precedent for future legislative measures challenging state regulations.

The political landscape surrounding the gas-powered vehicle ban reflects broader debates on climate change, regulatory authority, and consumer rights, with significant division between state and federal interests. The California Attorney General’s office hinted at the possibility of legal challenges against the House resolution, which indicates that the matter may not end with this vote.

With this latest development, the future of California’s environmental policies and regulations remains uncertain, and the national conversation about climate leadership continues to evolve as states and the federal government navigate their overlapping interests in setting automotive standards.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Washington Post: California Cars Waiver House Vote
• Wikipedia: Environmental Protection Agency
• The New York Times: California Gas Cars Waiver House Vote
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
• Fox News: 35 Democrats Vote GOP to Block Biden Rule
• Google Search: California Gas Car Ban