US Congress Blocks California’s Petrol Car Ban, Sparking Political and Legal Showdown

US Senate Blocks California's Petrol Car Ban Amid Debate | Oil Gas Energy Magazine

In a highly controversial move, the US Congress has voted to block California’s ambitious plan to ban the sale of petrol-only vehicles by 2035. The US Senate followed the House of Representatives in passing legislation that nullifies a long-standing waiver allowing California to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than those mandated by the federal government.

The decision marks a significant victory for Republicans, the fossil fuel industry, and traditional automakers, while dealing a setback to Democrats and environmental advocates who viewed California’s policy as a crucial step toward reducing pollution and combating climate change.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law, which could trigger a new round of legal disputes. California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned the decision, calling it “federal overreach,” and confirmed that the state intends to file a lawsuit to defend its authority to regulate vehicle emissions.

Industry and States Split Over Environmental Standards

California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars had wide-reaching implications. With its large population and car market, the state’s environmental policies often influence national trends. More than a dozen other states, including New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts, had pledged to adopt similar rules, representing over one-third of the national car market.

The now-blocked rule aimed to ensure that electric vehicles made up 35% of new car sales by 2026, a goal critics argued was unrealistic. Some automakers expressed concern not with the technology but with the regulatory structure, particularly a credit system that would have forced companies to purchase credits from EV leaders like Tesla. This, they argued, could drain resources needed to develop their own electric models.

John Bozzella, president of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, explained, “The concerns were about the mandate, not the technology.” In contrast, environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council stressed that these standards were beneficial to both the environment and the economy. “They reduce costs for drivers, boost domestic manufacturing, improve air quality, and help address the climate crisis,” said NRDC president Manish Bapna.

Legal and Political Fallout Expected as Debate Intensifies

California has long received waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose tougher emissions regulations, particularly due to its chronic air quality issues. This new congressional action revives tensions from the Trump administration’s first term, during which similar efforts were made to revoke the state’s authority, attempts that were later halted under President Biden.

This latest vote also raises concerns over procedural integrity. Both the Government Accountability Office and the US Senate parliamentarian questioned whether Congress had followed proper legislative protocols. Despite these concerns, the bill passed the Senate in a 51-44 vote along largely partisan lines.

US Senate Democratic leaders accused Republicans of deploying a “nuclear option” to eliminate California’s waiver, warning that such tactics could set a precedent for undermining other regulatory agency rules.

As President Trump prepares to sign the bill into law, legal challenges are expected to follow swiftly, potentially igniting a long and complex battle over state versus federal authority in setting environmental policy.

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