The U.S. House of Representatives moved a step closer Thursday to overturning a federal waiver that allows California to enforce a ban on gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The waiver, granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under former President Joe Biden, had sparked opposition from automakers, fuel producers, and even President Donald Trump.
The House voted 246-164 in favor of a measure to repeal the EPA authorization, which enables California to set stricter emissions standards than federal guidelines, aiming to boost sales of electric vehicles and other zero-emission cars.
The legislation now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers have until mid-May to decide on the repeal. However, this may require overriding a ruling by the Senate parliamentarian, who determined that the repeal cannot proceed under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a special legislative procedure that Republicans are using to undo Biden-era policies.
The vote follows a series of actions by the Trump administration to reverse Biden’s environmental policies while promoting fossil fuels. On Wednesday, the House passed additional measures to roll back EPA waivers on zero-emission truck sales and nitrogen oxide pollution from heavy-duty engines.
California’s ban on gasoline cars, introduced in 2020 by Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of the state’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% from light-duty vehicles by 2040. The ban is expected to impact other states that have agreed to follow California’s lead, including New York and Washington.
In a statement, Governor Newsom criticized the House vote, stating that “big polluters” influenced Republicans and that they ignored legal advice.
Opponents, including automakers such as Toyota and trade groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argue that California’s requirements are unrealistic and would drive up car prices, limit consumer choice, and exacerbate the impact of existing tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
The repeal effort faces additional hurdles in the Senate. Despite a recent ruling from the Senate parliamentarian that the California waiver cannot be rescinded under the CRA, Republicans are pushing forward with the repeal.
However, Senate Republicans will need a simple majority to override the parliamentarian’s ruling, which could prove challenging, particularly with moderate GOP senators. If the repeal fails, the EPA would have to undo California’s emissions rules administratively, potentially leaving the state’s zero-emission standards in place for years.
