The Senate has voted 51 to 44 to overturn California’s electric vehicle regulations, defying the guidance of the nonpartisan parliamentarian, a rare move in the Senate’s 90-year history. This decision revokes California’s waiver that allows it to establish stricter air pollution standards for cars and heavy-duty trucks, including a mandate for zero-emission vehicles.
Using the Congressional Review Act, Congress is revoking waivers previously granted to California by the Environmental Protection Agency. The House had already approved resolutions to eliminate these waivers, but the legality of this action remains in question, with both the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian suggesting it is not lawful.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced concerns that this could set a precedent for future administrations to repeal various policies at a simple majority threshold. In contrast, Senate Majority Leader John Thune argued that Republicans are not altering Senate norms but responding to what he perceives as Democratic overreach on environmental policies.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to challenge the Senate’s action in court, calling it a partisan attack on the state’s efforts to combat pollution. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the economic implications, warning that rolling back these standards could jeopardize the U.S. electric vehicle market against competitors like China.
Historically, California has been able to set more ambitious emissions standards due to its long-standing regulatory framework. As part of its climate strategy, California aims for 100% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035, though critics argue this goal is unrealistic given current market conditions.
The backlash against the Senate vote is strong among environmental groups, who warn that this reversal could have dire public health consequences. Meanwhile, industry groups, including the American Petroleum Institute, are celebrating the repeal, asserting it benefits consumers and maintains economic stability. The legal battles and political debates over vehicle emissions standards are expected to intensify in the coming months.
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