Senate Republicans target California EPA waivers on cars and engines

Key Points:

• Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Cynthia Lummis and colleagues, are launching a multi-front effort to revoke EPA waivers that allow California to set vehicle and equipment emissions standards, arguing these waivers give California outsized regulatory power beyond its borders.
• The effort uses the Congressional Review Act to nullify waivers granted under the Clean Air Act, aiming to prevent future administrations from reinstating California's authority to impose stricter emissions rules.
• The targeted waivers cover regulations on gas-powered lawn equipment, passenger vehicle emissions, the Advanced Clean Cars program, and the original 2009 waiver allowing California to regulate greenhouse gases from automobiles.
• Republicans contend the waivers have been weaponized to enforce a sweeping climate agenda nationwide without Congressional approval, while supporters of California’s authority argue the state’s stricter standards address local air quality and environmental concerns.
• Industry representatives emphasize the need for practical innovation over government mandates and support legislative solutions rather than state-specific regulations with nationwide impact.