Senate votes to revoke California’s ability to set air pollution standards | TechCrunch
May 22, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Senate Republicans voted 51 to 44 to overturn a waiver that allowed California to set stricter air pollution standards for vehicles, a move that also affects 16 other states and the District of Columbia, which follow California's emissions standards. This decision challenges California's plan to increase sales of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), primarily electric vehicles, to 35% by 2026 and 100% by 2035. The vote defied the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office's advice, which stated that the waiver could not be revoked under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, had anticipated this move and expressed readiness to defend against what he considers an inappropriate use of the CRA.
California has historically received over 100 waivers to set its own emissions standards, and the state's ZEV sales have grown significantly, reaching 25.3% of new light-duty vehicles in 2024. However, automakers have expressed concerns about meeting the 2026 mandate. The state's zero-emissions standard currently includes hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles, with EVs being the primary focus due to challenges with hydrogen technology. The Senate's decision could impact California's ambitious climate goals and its influence on national emissions standards.
Key takeaways:
Senate Republicans voted 51 to 44 to overturn a waiver allowing California to set stricter vehicle emissions standards.
California's zero-emissions mandate requires increased sales of zero-emissions vehicles starting in 2026, with a goal of 100% by 2035.
California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, is prepared to defend against the use of the Congressional Review Act to revoke the waiver.
Zero-emissions vehicle sales in California were flat in 2024, but previously increased from 7.8% in 2020 to 25% in 2023.
