California is preparing to sue the federal government following a U.S. Senate vote that revoked the state’s authority to enforce its own vehicle emissions standards, including a mandate requiring all new cars sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. The Senate’s 51–44 decision, which also nullified California’s stricter regulations on heavy-duty trucks and nitrogen oxide emissions, is poised to be signed into law by President Trump.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have condemned the Senate’s action as illegal and politically motivated. They argue that the use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn California’s waivers under the Clean Air Act is unprecedented and unlawful. Both the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian have indicated that the CRA does not apply to these waivers.
California has historically received over 100 waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set its own vehicle emissions standards, a practice dating back to the 1970s. These waivers have allowed the state to combat its severe air pollution issues effectively. The recent Senate vote marks the first time Congress has moved to revoke such waivers, threatening California’s longstanding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
The state’s clean vehicle policies have been influential nationwide, with 16 other states and the District of Columbia adopting similar standards. California officials warn that the Senate’s decision could hinder national progress on climate change and public health. They emphasize that transportation accounts for nearly 40% of California’s carbon emissions, underscoring the importance of maintaining stringent emissions standards.
In response to the Senate’s action, California is initiating legal proceedings to challenge the revocation of its emissions waivers, aiming to preserve its authority to set environmental standards that protect public health and address climate change.