The article discusses how Congress, under Republican leadership, has revoked California's authority to set its own air quality standards, breaking a long-standing precedent that dates back to the Nixon administration. This decision impacts California’s ambitious goals for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. In response, California may resort to voluntary measures to encourage electric vehicle adoption, despite facing budget constraints. The state plans to challenge the decision in federal court, arguing that Congress improperly utilized the Congressional Review Act to roll back these regulations.
Under California's mandate, 35% of new 2026 model cars sold in the state must be zero-emissions, ramping up to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. It builds on decades of tightening emissions standards for cars sold in the state.
California officials may now have to rely, at least temporarily, on voluntary efforts to clean up cars and diesel trucks in order to meet federal health standards for smog and soot.
California will fight the decision in the federal courts. A big part of its case will depend on the argument that Republicans misused the Congressional Review Act process.
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