If this passes, California’s iron grip on the automotive market could finally be over! The Stop CARB Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate as part of larger legislative efforts to address vehicle regulations, is generating a lot of buzz for its aim to curb the influence of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on national auto standards.
This bill seeks to limit CARB’s ability to set stringent emission rules that impact not just California but 17 other states in addition to federal policy. As debates over vehicle costs, consumer choice, and environmental regulations heat up, the Stop CARB Act could reshape how cars are built and sold across America.
What is the Stop CARB Act?
The Stop CARB Act is a proposed piece of legislation focused on restricting the California Air Resources Board’s authority to enforce its own vehicle emission standards, particularly those stricter than federal regulations. While the bill is often discussed in connection with the Transportation Freedom Act (S.711), introduced on February 25, 2025, by Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), the Stop CARB Act specifically targets CARB’s waivers under the Clean Air Act. These waivers allow California to set emission rules that other states can adopt, influencing national vehicle standards. The bill aims to eliminate these waivers, preventing California from dictating emission policies beyond its borders and blocking other states from following its lead.
Currently, S.711, which includes provisions aligned with the Stop CARB Act’s goals, is pending in the Senate Committee on Finance, with no floor vote scheduled as of September 3, 2025. Sponsored by Senators Moreno, Jim Banks (R-IN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Jim Justice (R-WV), the broader Transportation Freedom Act also seeks to repeal federal emission standards, such as the EPA’s Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for 2027 and later model years and Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas rules, while offering tax deductions for auto manufacturing wages. The Stop CARB Act’s focus on CARB makes it a key component of this larger deregulation effort.
Why is the Stop CARB Act needed?
CARB’s influence stems from a unique provision in the Clean Air Act, which allows California to request waivers to set stricter emission standards than the federal government. Since the 1970s, CARB has used this authority to implement rules like the Advanced Clean Cars II program, which mandates zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
Seventeen other states, representing over 40% of the U.S. population, have adopted CARB’s standards, effectively giving California outsized influence over national auto markets. Even though this is constitutionally illegal.
The Stop CARB Act argues this creates an uneven regulatory landscape that drives up costs and limits options for consumers and manufacturers. Here’s why proponents say it’s necessary:
- Reducing Costs for Consumers: CARB’s strict standards require automakers to invest heavily in technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) or advanced combustion engines. These costs often raise vehicle prices, with estimates suggesting compliance could add thousands to the sticker price of new cars. By limiting CARB’s waivers, the bill aims to lower these costs, making vehicles more affordable for everyday Americans.
- Streamlining Regulations: The patchwork of federal, California, and state-adopted CARB standards creates complexity for automakers. Companies must design vehicles to meet multiple requirements, increasing production costs and delaying innovation. The Stop CARB Act seeks to establish uniform federal standards, simplifying compliance and fostering a more predictable market.
- Preserving Consumer Choice: CARB’s push for zero-emission vehicles by 2035 limits the availability of gas-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs, which many drivers prefer for their affordability, range, or utility. The bill aims to protect consumer choice by preventing California’s mandates from dominating national markets.
- Supporting U.S. Manufacturing: Proponents, including industry groups like General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, and the National Automobile Dealers Association, argue that CARB’s rules strain manufacturers, particularly smaller suppliers. By curbing CARB’s influence, the bill could reduce compliance costs, boost domestic production, and create jobs.
The case against the Stop CARB Act: Environmental and practical concerns
Opponents, including environmental groups and states following CARB’s lead, argue that limiting California’s authority could have serious downsides. Here’s their perspective:
- Environmental Setbacks: CARB’s standards have driven significant reductions in vehicle emissions, improving air quality and combating climate change. Repealing CARB’s waivers could increase emissions, particularly in urban areas, leading to worse air quality and health issues.
- Innovation Leadership: California’s stringent standards have pushed automakers to develop cleaner technologies, such as EVs and hybrids, which have become more popular lately.
- State Autonomy: Critics see the bill as an overreach that undermines states’ rights to set policies reflecting local needs. California and its 17 partner states argue that their stricter standards address regional air quality challenges, that federal rules may not adequately tackle.
- Economic Risks: While the bill aims to lower vehicle costs, opponents warn that weaker emission standards could raise long-term fuel costs for consumers if less efficient vehicles dominate the market. Sadly, electricity has gotten more expensive across the country.
The bigger picture: Balancing regulation and freedom
The Stop CARB Act taps into a broader debate about who should control vehicle standards: individual states, the federal government, or the free market. Supporters argue that California’s outsized influence distorts the auto industry, forcing manufacturers to prioritize costly technologies over consumer demand. They point to the bill’s potential to simplify regulations, reduce prices, and give drivers more choices, aligning with broader deregulation efforts like those in Senate Bill S.711. Industry endorsements from major automakers and trucking associations underscore the appeal of a streamlined approach.
What’s next step for the Stop CARB Act?
As of September 3, 2025, the Stop CARB Act’s provisions, embedded within S.711, remain in the Senate Committee on Finance, awaiting further action like hearings or amendments. The bill’s progress is uncertain, given the polarized views on environmental policy and state rights. If scheduled and passes the Senate, it must clear the House and gain presidential approval. Legal challenges from California or environmental groups could also delay implementation if the bill becomes law. The next goal is to get this bill on the floor to vote on it.
The Stop CARB Act could reshape the cars you drive, the prices you pay, and the power of California. Whether you’re a truck enthusiast, a daily commuter, or an auto industry worker, this bill touches your life. Will it lower vehicle costs and preserve your choice of gas-powered cars? Or will California continue to tell you what to drive. It’s time to reach out to your senators and representatives and tell them to get this bill to the floor.
Senate Bill Link for accurate updates, check:
- Congress.gov for S.711’s status: https://www.congress.
gov/bill/119th-congress/ senate-bill/711 - Senate.gov for today’s floor schedule: https://www.senate.
gov/legislative/floor_ activity.htm
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