Congressional legislators have introduced resolutions aimed at stopping California’s environmental mandates on gas-powered vehicles. Congressman Brett Guthrie, along with others, has put forth three Congressional Review Act resolutions to halt regulations created under President Biden’s EPA, which create a de facto ban on gasoline-powered vehicles, heavy trucks, and diesel engines.
“The American people should choose what vehicle is right for them, not California bureaucrats,” said Chairman Guthrie. He emphasized that Congress needs oversight on major rules that affect all Americans, pledging continued efforts to address the issue alongside Energy and Commerce Republicans.
Vice Chairman John Joyce expressed his stance against the California mandate. “Since arriving in Washington, I have fought to protect consumer freedom and allow American families to choose the vehicle that best fits their budget and needs,” said Joyce, adding that the resolution is a necessary response.
Congressman Jay Obernolte highlighted the impact of regulations on businesses. “As a representative of California, I’ve seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board have hurt businesses and hardworking Americans,” he stated, stressing the importance of exercising congressional oversight to prevent these policies from becoming national standards.
Congressman John James criticized the mandates for the trucking industry, “The Biden administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry,” James said, arguing that the regulations contribute to rising costs.
Furthermore, Congressman Fulcher criticized the EPA’s role in these transitions as overreaching, and Congressman LaMalfa pointed out the increased costs and limitations on consumer choice as primary concerns. Congressman Kiley called into question the Newsom Administration’s plan, while Chairwoman McClain challenged the role of the government in dictating vehicle choice for Americans.
Legislators argue that following California’s emissions standards nationwide could lead to significant changes in the market, impacting consumer options and potentially creating shortages. The resolutions introduced include measures to reverse EPA mandates related to zero-emission trucks and nitrogen oxide emission standards.
H.J. Res. 88 seeks to overturn the California waiver on the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, H.R. Res. 89 targets nitrogen oxide engine standards, and H.J. Res. 87 focuses on zero-emission trucks.
