Senate Defies Legal Warning, Moves to Revoke California’s Authority on Vehicle Standards

 

In a controversial move that could spark a high-stakes legal battle, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke California’s long-standing authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards, despite being warned by the Senate parliamentarian that such a maneuver may violate federal legislative procedures.

At the center of the dispute is the Congressional Review Act (CRA) a tool lawmakers use to overturn federal regulations. The Senate’s latest action, pushed through on party lines, attempts to apply the CRA to a waiver granted to California that allows the state to implement tougher environmental rules than federal guidelines a right it has held for decades under the Clean Air Act.

According to sources familiar with closed-door Senate meetings, the parliamentarian cautioned that the CRA does not extend to state-specific waivers, particularly those already authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The warning, however, did not prevent Republican lawmakers from proceeding with a resolution aimed squarely at stripping California’s environmental autonomy.

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Legal Showdown Looms

Legal experts expect the matter to quickly head to court.

“This is not just a legislative overstep, it’s a constitutional flashpoint,” said environmental law professor Dr. Emily Norton from Stanford University. “California’s ability to set its own standards is deeply rooted in federal law, and undoing that by force risks chaos in the auto industry.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom responded swiftly, calling the Senate’s action “an attack on states’ rights, public health, and climate progress.” He confirmed that the state will file a lawsuit to block the revocation, labeling it “illegal and politically motivated.”

Automakers Caught in the Middle

The decision could have ripple effects across the automotive industry. Several major car manufacturers have already invested in meeting California’s stricter standards and may now face regulatory whiplash.

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A spokesperson for a leading auto group said the industry needs “predictability, not political gamesmanship.”

What’s Next?

The resolution still requires approval from the House and the President. While its fate in the House remains uncertain, President Biden is expected to veto the measure if it reaches his desk, in line with his administration’s climate goals.

Meanwhile, legal observers are bracing for what could become a landmark federalism case.