House of Representatives Votes to Block California’s Gas Car Ban

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Lawmakers debate the future of California's gas car ban in the House of Representatives.

News Summary

The House voted 246-164 to block a California rule banning new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This bipartisan move has sparked debate over environmental policies and regulatory authority, with implications for state-level climate initiatives and the future of automakers. California’s waiver from federal emissions standards is under scrutiny, as stakeholders in both the automotive and environmental sectors closely monitor further legislative actions.

California – The House of Representatives voted 246-164 on Thursday to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by the year 2035. This proposal represents one of the nation’s most ambitious policies aimed at combating climate change and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.

The resolution was notably supported by 35 Democrats, alongside the Republican majority, marking a bipartisan divide on environmental policies. The future of this measure now hangs in the balance as the Senate’s response remains uncertain, with no confirmation of a vote planned at this time.

The significance of California’s rule lies in its approval in 2022 and subsequent waiver received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allowing the state to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards than those mandated by the federal government. Eleven other states, encompassing approximately 40% of the U.S. auto market, have committed to implementing similar regulations to phase out gas-powered car sales by 2035.

Supporters of the rule, including many environmental advocates, have hailed California’s initiative as a critical step toward significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in the region. Conversely, a coalition of critics, including Republican lawmakers and various business groups, argue that these regulations undermine consumer choice and could potentially lead to higher vehicle prices.

Congressman John Joyce introduced the resolution seeking to revoke California’s waiver under the Congressional Review Act, asserting that Congress should maintain authority over the interstate automotive market. However, the Senate parliamentarian, along with the Government Accountability Office, has determined that Congress lacks the authority to block California’s climate policy, challenging the validity of the House’s resolution.

Congressman Paul Tonko raised concerns that passing the resolution could create a precedent that jeopardizes other regulatory frameworks, like Medicaid and energy permits. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who sponsored the resolution in the Senate, indicated that her team is exploring options for further legislative action, despite the parliamentarian’s ruling against the waiver’s revocation.

Industry stakeholders have also voiced their opinions on the matter. Groups representing automakers and oil refiners have lobbied for rescinding the waiver, characterizing California’s rules as “unachievable” and posing threats to jobs within the auto sector. Meanwhile, advocates for climate change and public health warn that overturning the waiver could have detrimental effects on air quality and public health not only in California but across multiple states that align with its regulations.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has signaled that legal challenges may arise if the state’s authority to implement these regulations is revoked, highlighting the contentious nature of the ongoing debate. Under the Biden administration, California has received three waivers from the EPA, affirming its right to enforce its vehicle emissions rules.

The outcome of the House vote and potential actions by the Senate could lead to broader implications regarding state-level regulatory power within the arena of environmental policy. As this situation develops, stakeholders across various sectors are closely monitoring the legislative process, understanding its far-reaching consequences for both the automotive industry and climate policy in the United States.