Senate Republicans vote to revoke California’s right to set its own tailpipe pollution rules | GOP lawmakers defied nonpartisan watchdogs to pass resolutions that take away California’s ability to set its own pollution standards for cars and trucks.
Lawmakers utilized the Congressional Review Act to bypass the filibuster, approving resolutions previously passed by the House of Representatives to revoke key EPA exemptions. The targeted rules included a mandate requiring all new passenger cars sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035, alongside strict reductions on truck pollution. Business groups supported the move to prevent fragmented regional rules, while critics decried the measure as an assault on state climate authority. The legislative maneuver advanced despite determinations by the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office that the waivers were not eligible under the review statute.
Key points
Republican lawmakers used the Congressional Review Act to bypass the Senate filibuster an…: Republican lawmakers used the Congressional Review Act to bypass the Senate filibuster and eliminate state-specific clean air exemptions.
The legislative action disregarded findings from the Government Accountability Office and…: The legislative action disregarded findings from the Government Accountability Office and Senate parliamentarian stating these waivers fall outside the review statute.
Proponents argued the intervention prevents a single large market from imposing costly re…: Proponents argued the intervention prevents a single large market from imposing costly regulations, while opponents claimed it tramples state rights.
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The US Senate voted today to strip California of its authority to enact state limits on tailpipe pollution that are tougher than national standards.
Senate Republicans vote to revoke California’s right to set its own tailpipe pollution rules
GOP lawmakers defied nonpartisan watchdogs to pass resolutions that take away California’s ability to set its own pollution standards for cars and trucks.
GOP lawmakers defied nonpartisan watchdogs to pass resolutions that take away California’s ability to set its own pollution standards for cars and trucks.
Opponents called it an illegal move by Republican lawmakers that flies in the face of Senate rules and norms.
Senate Republicans went forward with the vote today anyway, revoking waivers that allow California to pursue its climate goals and improve air quality by reducing emissions from cars and trucks.
Opponents called it an illegal move
“This is the easy way to do what the fossil fuel industry wants,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said on the Senate floor during deliberations that ended past 1AM ET. “They had this quick and dirty, sneaky maneuver that they could pull…
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