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Electric vehicles

Senate Votes to Revoke California's Electric Vehicle Mandate

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

California has a unique ability to set air pollution rules stricter than national standards. However, the Senate has voted to revoke the state's right to require companies to sell more electric vehicles. This decision is controversial, particularly given the advice from the Senate's parliamentarian that lawmakers should not use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to undo the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver. The CRA allows lawmakers to undo agency rules with a simple majority vote, but its use in this instance is seen as a precedent that could have implications for future Democratic majorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate voted to revoke California's right to require companies to sell more electric vehicles, which is a major setback for the state's climate change goals and air quality standards.
  • The decision was made despite the advice from the Senate's parliamentarian, who said that the EPA waiver is not a rule and therefore cannot be undone under the CRA.
  • The CRA allows lawmakers to undo agency rules with a simple majority vote, but its use in this instance is seen as a precedent that could have implications for future Democratic majorities.
  • The oil industry and traditional automakers have long opposed California's electric vehicle mandate, which they see as unfair and unfeasible.
  • Environmental groups and public health organizations have spoken out against the decision, arguing that it undermines California's efforts to fight climate change and improve air quality.
  • The decision will be appealed in court by California officials, who argue that the CRA does not apply to the EPA waiver.

Statistics:

  • 35%: The percentage of new car sales that must be zero-emission vehicles under California's current policy.
  • 100%: The goal for new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, as required by California's current policy.
  • 70%: The percentage of greenhouse gas emissions that come from transportation under California's current policy.

Sources:

  • NPR
  • White House
  • Congressional Review Act (CRA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune

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