EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has sent California’s vehicle emissions waiver request to Congress, effectively blocking Governor Gavin Newsom’s ban on gas-powered vehicles. The Biden administration had previously approved California’s mandate to phase out gas vehicles by 2035, but Zeldin reversed this by ensuring congressional review. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s policies and the newly formed National Energy Dominance Council.
Zeldin criticized the Biden administration for bypassing Congress on waivers that allowed California to impose stricter emissions standards. His decision affects regulations like Advanced Clean Cars II and Clean Trucks rules, which critics argue raise costs for consumers and businesses.
California’s Air Resources Board had already withdrawn a waiver related to truck emissions, anticipating a Trump administration. However, Newsom has not backed down. The decision marks a significant shift in federal-state environmental policy, reinforcing federal oversight and promoting economic considerations over state-led climate initiatives.