Senate GOP moves to undo California emissions waivers as Republican lawmakers challenge Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decisions allowing the state to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than federal rules. The push, led by top Senate Republicans, has sparked partisan tensions and legal debates over procedure and precedent.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) are spearheading the effort. They argue that California’s rules on gas-powered vehicles, approved under three EPA waivers, harm the national economy and threaten access to traditional fuel-based transportation.
A vote is expected as early as Wednesday, though the process may stretch through Memorial Day. Republicans hope to reverse the first of the three EPA waivers granted to California under the Biden administration.
“Democrats have a delusional dream to eliminate gas-powered vehicles,” Barrasso said on the Senate floor. “California mandates affect nearly 40% of all new vehicles in America. This is a national issue.”
Thune acknowledged Democrats would likely accuse Republicans of undermining the filibuster but described the waiver reversal as a “narrow, novel case.”
Senate GOP moves to undo California emissions waivers as critics cite California’s influence beyond its borders. With its massive car market, state-level decisions often drive national industry trends.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a resolution in April to revoke the waivers. This sparked the ongoing controversy, with Democrats accusing Republicans of bypassing standard legislative review.
Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, appointed by the late Senator Harry Reid, suggested the EPA waivers might not fall under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA allows Congress to block certain federal regulations but may not apply to EPA waiver decisions.
Democratic Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Adam Schiff (CA), and Alex Padilla (CA) sought clarification from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO’s response supported the Democrats’ view, saying the waivers don’t meet CRA criteria.
Still, Barrasso dismissed the GAO’s input. “The GAO has no veto power over the Senate—under the CRA or Senate rules,” he said.
Some Republicans, including Senator John Curtis (R-UT), expressed concern about pushing the vote without firm legal footing. “It’s important we don’t set a precedent we’ll regret,” Curtis told reporters.
Meanwhile, Senate Rules Chair Mitch McConnell (R-KY) rejected claims that the GOP’s action would weaken the filibuster or set dangerous procedural precedents.
Senate GOP moves to undo California emissions waivers, framing the action as part of a broader campaign against what they call “radical environmental mandates.” The debate underscores rising tensions over state-federal authority, environmental regulation, and Senate rules.
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