“Trump Administration Takes Aim at California’s Gas-Powered Cars: What’s at Stake?”

The Trump administration is intensifying its clash with California over the future of gas-powered cars in the United States, as it considers using the Congressional Review Act to revoke California’s authority to set national fuel-efficiency standards.

Discussions are underway within the Trump administration to invoke the Congressional Review Act, a legislative maneuver that would allow lawmakers to overturn government rules with a simple majority. This move would effectively end California’s decades-old waiver that grants the state significant influence over mileage standards. A GOP lawmaker from California has already introduced legislation to terminate the federal waiver.

For over 50 years, automakers have tailored their production lines to comply with California’s stringent mileage standards, driven by the state’s large market size and the industry’s preference for consistency in fuel efficiency regulations. The federal government has historically granted California waivers under the Clean Air Act, recognizing the state’s unique air pollution challenges.

Molly Vaseliou, associate administrator for public affairs at the EPA, emphasized the national impact of California’s waivers, noting that every state has the option to adopt California’s rules instead of federal standards. She warned that revoking the waiver would limit vehicle choices for Americans and increase costs for gas cars and hybrids nationwide.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the administration’s stance, highlighting ongoing efforts by Republican administrations to undermine California’s environmental standards. California aims to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal approved by federal regulators under the Clean Air Act waiver.

The EPA’s decision to allow 11 other states to adopt California’s stricter clean air rules has further fueled the debate. Republicans argue that California’s regulations effectively set national policy due to the significant portion of car sales occurring in those states.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin recently sent the waivers to Congress, criticizing the Biden administration for not involving lawmakers in decisions with far-reaching consequences. Rep. Kevin Kiley has announced plans to introduce a resolution disapproving the waiver, asserting that Californians should have the freedom to choose their vehicles without government interference.

The Trump administration’s move has raised legal questions, with California Air Resources Board spokesperson Dave Clegern questioning the legality of revoking the state’s waiver. Despite past challenges to California’s authority, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a constitutional challenge in December, leaving room for potential future disputes.

The battle over California’s fuel-efficiency standards underscores the broader debate on climate change and emissions regulations. While the Trump administration and some Republicans question the scientific consensus on human-driven climate change, California continues to push for stricter environmental protections.

As the conflict between the federal government and California escalates, the future of gas-powered cars in the U.S. hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for further developments on this contentious issue.