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Senate Votes to Nullify California's Gas-Car Phase-Out Waiver

In a 51-44 vote, the Senate used unprecedented procedural changes to revoke the EPA waiver, sending the resolution to President Trump for approval.

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2015, file photo, vehicles make their way westbound on Interstate 80 across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as seen from Treasure Island in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
The Senate voted to eliminate California’s ability to require the phasing out most gas-powered vehicles by 2035. 
FILE - Charging bays are seen at the new Electrify America indoor electric vehicle charging station in San Francisco, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
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Overview

  • The Senate passed a resolution overturning California's EPA waiver that allowed stricter vehicle emissions standards, including a 2035 ban on new gas-powered cars.
  • Republicans bypassed the Senate parliamentarian and Government Accountability Office rulings to apply the Congressional Review Act to the waiver, avoiding the filibuster's 60-vote threshold.
  • California officials and environmental groups argue the move is illegal and plan to challenge it in court, citing nearly 60 years of Clean Air Act precedent supporting state waivers.
  • Over a dozen states adopt California's emissions standards, which impact nearly 40% of light-duty and over 25% of heavy-duty vehicle markets nationwide.
  • The resolution now heads to President Trump's desk, where he is expected to sign it, marking a significant shift in federal-state regulatory dynamics and climate policy.