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.
Can a small Massachusetts start-up perfect a battery that would make electric vehicles cheaper and more convenient than conventional cars?
Some said they worried that California’s planned ban on gas-powered vehicles would raise the price of cars. Another cited “intense and misleading lobbying” by the oil industry.
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 state will no longer require some truckers to shift away from diesel semis but hopes that subsidies can keep dreams of pollution-free big rigs alive.
The order is the latest Trump administration effort against Biden-era initiatives that intended to promote electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Automakers and even some Republicans may fight to preserve funds, and environmental activists will likely sue, but some experts said that some changes may not survive legal challenges.