Senate Parliamentarian Blocks GOP Bid to Overturn California Emissions Waivers

The ruling reinforces California's authority to set stricter vehicle emissions standards, but Republicans consider defying the decision.

The Senate parliamentarian ruled that California's Clean Air Act waivers cannot be overturned using the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
California's waivers allow the state to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and implement stricter emissions standards than federal regulations.
Senate Republicans introduced a CRA resolution targeting the waivers despite the ruling, signaling potential efforts to bypass the parliamentarian.
The Government Accountability Office previously determined that the waivers are administrative actions, not rules, and thus exempt from the CRA.
Environmental groups praised the decision as a victory for clean air and climate policy, while Republicans criticized California's policies as costly and restrictive.