Senate Blocks California’s Gas Car Ban Set for 2035/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Senate has voted to block California’s plan to ban new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035. The measure, headed for President Trump’s signature, also reverses EPA waivers granted under the Biden administration and affects 11 other states following California’s lead.
California Gas Car Ban Blocked: Quick Looks
- Senate action: Senate passed a resolution repealing California’s ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035.
- Trump support: The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.
- Biden-era reversal: The move repeals an EPA waiver issued in December 2023 allowing California to pursue stricter emission standards.
- National impact: California’s rule was adopted by 11 states, influencing about one-third of the U.S. auto market.
- Automaker lobbying: Companies like General Motors and Toyota opposed the rule and backed the Senate rollback.
- Environmental setback: Green groups and California officials say the decision undercuts efforts to reduce vehicle emissions.
- Filibuster exception: Senate Republicans used a new carve-out to bypass the filibuster and advance the repeal.
- Next steps: Two more resolutions targeting California vehicle standards are expected to pass soon.
Deep Look: Senate Blocks California’s 2035 Gas Car Sales Ban in Win for Automakers
In a move that reverses a major climate policy milestone, the U.S. Senate voted Thursday to strike down California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035. The resolution, part of a broader push by congressional Republicans to halt state-driven environmental regulations, now heads to President Donald Trump, who has indicated he will sign it.
Repealing a Groundbreaking Rule
The Senate vote nullifies a waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden administration, which gave California legal authority to set tougher emission standards than the federal government. That waiver was the legal foundation for California’s plan to mandate that 80% of all new car sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035 — effectively ending the sale of new gas-only cars in the nation’s most populous state.
Eleven states — including New York, Washington, and Massachusetts — had already adopted California’s model, creating a powerful market force that encouraged automakers to ramp up production of electric vehicles. Combined, these states represent over 30% of the U.S. auto market.
Automakers Push Back
The rollback was heavily lobbied for by legacy carmakers including General Motors, Toyota, and Stellantis, who warned that California’s aggressive mandate would disrupt supply chains and restrict consumer choice.
Industry analysts say the Senate’s move gives automakers more leeway in their electric vehicle transition timelines.
“This gives us breathing room to innovate on our terms,” said one auto executive speaking anonymously.
A Blow to Environmental Goals
Environmental advocates and California leaders decried the Senate’s vote as a politically motivated attack on progress. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which crafted the ZEV rule, said the plan was crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing air pollution.
“This isn’t just about California,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This decision will directly impact our climate and our public health nationwide.”
Critics also argue the repeal undermines states’ rights, especially since the Clean Air Act historically allowed California to set its own tougher emissions rules due to its chronic smog issues.
Trump Administration’s Broader Agenda
The decision aligns with President Trump’s broader push to dismantle Biden-era environmental protections. Trump has made energy dominance a central theme of his second term, including rolling back electric vehicle incentives and increasing fossil fuel production.
“This rule was a job killer and an overreach,” Trump said in a statement. “Americans deserve freedom of choice when it comes to what car they drive.”
The administration is expected to approve two additional resolutions in the coming days, further targeting California’s efforts to mandate cleaner vehicles and fuel standards.
Senate Maneuver Breaks Filibuster
Normally, such a resolution would face a tough path through the Senate due to the 60-vote filibuster rule. But Senate Republicans, using a newly created procedural exception, bypassed the filibuster, enabling the measure to pass with a simple majority.
“This sets a precedent that could reshape how we address environmental regulations in Congress,” said Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD).
Political Fallout and What’s Next
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s energy policy, called the vote “a reckless betrayal of our future.”
Analysts say the decision could chill future state-led efforts to combat climate change, especially if states lose faith in federal support.
Environmental groups are expected to challenge the repeal in court, but the EPA waiver reversal creates a legal gray area. Meanwhile, automakers will likely reassess their production and investment strategies for EVs in states that previously followed California’s lead.
Conclusion
The Senate’s vote to block California’s gas vehicle ban signals a major shift in U.S. climate policy. While welcomed by the auto industry and Trump loyalists, it marks a significant rollback of state-level environmental autonomy and could alter the trajectory of the country’s transition to electric vehicles.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.