News Summary
The US Senate has voted 51-44 to repeal California’s ambitious program banning gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This decision, expected to be signed into law by President Trump, marks a major shift in federal environmental policy. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the vote, citing significant health risks and implications for state authority. The repeal could reverse years of efforts aimed at reducing emissions, impacting not just California but also other states planning to adopt similar regulations.
California – The US Senate has voted 51-44 to repeal California’s ambitious program aimed at banning gasoline-powered cars and other similar vehicles by the year 2035. This legislation is now poised to reach President Donald Trump, who is anticipated to sign it into law, marking a significant shift in federal environmental policy.
The Senate’s recent vote was a direct response to roll back an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver that was issued under former President Joe Biden. This waiver had empowered California to enforce stricter vehicle emission standards than those established at the federal level. California’s ban was a key component of the state’s strategy to promote the transition to electric vehicles and reduce overall emissions.
For five decades, California has held the authority to set tougher environmental regulations than the federal government. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has condemned the Senate’s decision, arguing that it undermines the state’s efforts to lead in clean vehicle technology and would ultimately “help China” in the competitive landscape of vehicle technology innovation. He further characterized the vote as a shift toward “making America smoggy again.”
The decision has broader implications beyond California, as at least 11 other states had planned to adopt similar rules mimicking California’s strategy. Collectively, these states contribute approximately 40% of the U.S. automotive market, highlighting the potential national impact of the Senate’s vote. The Advanced Clean Cars II rule required that 35% of the new vehicles sold at California dealerships be zero-emission vehicles or plug-in hybrids by the following year. By 2035, this regulation would have effectively prohibited the sale of new gasoline-only vehicles within the state.
Experts predict that the repeal will have adverse health effects, potentially negating an estimated $13 billion in health benefits attributed to reduced air pollution, which could have included preventing around 1,200 premature deaths annually. Current data shows that California’s zero-emission vehicle sales already accounted for about 25% of all new car sales within the state during 2023 and 2024.
Republicans in the Senate argued that California’s regulations could jeopardize the American automotive industry, restrict consumer choices, and put an unnecessary strain on the national energy grid. The approval of the resolution to repeal California’s ban could also set a significant precedent for future Congressional actions that may threaten state regulations in various sectors.
In addition to the main repeal, four other resolutions were also passed, aimed at blocking California’s clean-air standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Democratic senators voiced concerns that these actions signify a major risk to both state authority and public health protections against pollution.
Furthermore, California is preparing for a potential legal battle, intending to challenge the Congressional decision by suing to reinstate its emissions rules, which they label as unjust and unlawful. Historically, California has sought legal waivers from the EPA over 100 times, demonstrating their consistent efforts to implement stringent emissions regulations.
Critics of the repeal have highlighted that the use of the Congressional Review Act in this manner is contentious, raising concerns about the misuse of legislative power. Senate Democrats have stressed that the measures taken against California’s transportation regulations fundamentally aim to undermine state rights and compromise public health safeguards against pollution.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on California’s response and whether the anticipated legal challenges will alter the trajectory set by the recent Senate vote.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times
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- Associated Press
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- San Francisco Chronicle
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- Automotive News
- Google News: California gasoline car ban
