The US Senate will vote on resolutions to block California’s vehicle emissions standards, which include a plan to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035. The move is part of a broader effort by Republicans to roll back the state’s rules, citing concerns that they unfairly dictate national standards.
California has been given authority to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government for decades. The Biden administration approved the state’s waiver to implement these standards in December. The rules also target medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.
Despite pushback from Democrats, who argue that the rules are not subject to Senate review, Republicans plan to use the Congressional Review Act to block the regulations. Majority Leader John Thune claims that the rules would “endanger consumers, our economy and our nation’s energy supply.”
The move is seen as an attempt by Republicans to limit the impact of California’s aggressive climate change efforts. The state has been a leader in reducing emissions from the transportation sector, with plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles within 15 years.
Senate Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the effort, with several senators placing holds on EPA nominations and speaking out against the move. The Senate Parliamentarian has sided with the House, saying that California’s policies are not subject to review by the Senate.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/senate-california-epa-vehicle-emission-standards-656614ff3248f970a7b9aa91182e1139