U.S. Lawmakers Overturn California’s Ban On Gas Vehicles

After U.S. Senate action last week, President Donald Trump is expected to sign legislation soon that will nullify an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver that would have allowed the state to effectively ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. California is one 12 states with this policy on the books. The 1970 Clean Air Act allows the state to obtain EPA waivers that allow it to enact regulations that are stricter than federal limits.

U.S. senators approved the bill by a 51-44 vote. The U.S. House of Representatives already had approved the legislation, and President Trump is expected to sign it into law.

Vehicle manufacturers and dealers have argued the California regulation would harm the industry by imposing unrealistic implementation timelines that will force consumers to buy cars they do not want. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) vowed to sue the Trump administration while the state regulator that sets vehicle emissions mandates, the California Air Resource Board, said its regulations allow for enough flexibility for car makers to meet them.

The Senate also approved two related measures. The first would limit California’s ability to phase out heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks while the second would stop the state from forcing auto manufacturers to eliminate nitrogen-oxide emissions from new trucks. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.