California leaders said the state intends to challenge the move in court, and to find new ways to move drivers toward electric vehicles.
Senate Republicans understand that energy abundance is essential for the economy, national security and the country’s well-being. Now they must act.
For decades, California has been able to adopt its own emissions regulations, effectively setting the bar for carmakers nationally. And for just as long, Republicans have resented the state’s outsize influence.
The measure, passed by the House, would roll back incentives for people to buy electric vehicles and for automakers to make them in the U.S.
In 50 years, California’s authority to set environmental rules that are tougher than national standards had never been challenged by Congress. Until now.
A lawsuit led by Washington, Colorado and California accuses the Trump administration of unlawfully withholding funds for new charging stations.
Republicans, joined by a handful of Democrats, voted to eliminate California’s electric vehicle policy, which had been adopted by 11 other states.
The Trump administration asked Republicans in Congress to stop California’s ban on new gas-powered cars. The Senate parliamentarian said it wasn’t allowed.
The administration is setting the stage for Congress to repeal a longstanding waiver that allows California to set its own pollution standards. State officials say the effort is illegal.
Some have halted work on the Biden-era $5 billion program to build E.V. charging stations. Others plan to keep building. Most are confused.