U.S.: congress blocks vehicle-emission rules in California

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to repeal a waiver previously granted to California by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This waiver allowed the state to enforce a regulation requiring that 35% of new vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 68% by 2030 and reaching 100% by 2035. The resolution, which had already passed in the House of Representatives, now moves to the U.S. President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

Under the 1967 Clean Air Act, California has been allowed to establish its own vehicle emissions standards, provided they are more stringent than federal requirements and receive EPA approval. This authority was granted due to the state’s severe air po