Latest news with #gasolineban
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
California's Ban on Gas-Powered Cars is Dead
Senate Republicans pull a rarely used lever Senate Republicans last Thursday voted to repeal California's rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The 51-44 vote, pushed through using the Congressional Review Act, nullifies a waiver granted under the Clean Air Act — something Congress has never done in the law's 50-year history. California's rule was part of an aggressive plan to shift the auto market toward electric vehicles, and 11 other states had intended to adopt it. Together, those states represent about 40% of U.S. auto sales. The decision marks a major victory for the oil and gas industry and a setback for climate advocates hoping to use state-level policy to push the national market toward cleaner technologies. Democrats cry foul as legal battle begins Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state would sue the Trump administration over what they called an 'unlawful' congressional action. 'This is about our economy, it's about our health, it's about our global competitiveness,' Newsom said. 'It is, Donald Trump, about our national security, and it's about our ability to continue to innovate and outpace competition all across the globe.' California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Governor Gavin Newsom. — Source: Getty Legal experts argue that the Congressional Review Act should not apply to California's waivers, which only affect one state. But Republicans said California's standards essentially dictated national policy, given how many automakers follow them. More votes, more damage to California's climate agenda The Senate also voted to block California rules requiring half of new trucks sold by 2035 to be electric and limiting emissions of nitrogen oxide, a key contributor to smog. All three measures passed the House earlier this year and are expected to be signed into law by President Trump. In response, Senator Alex Padilla of California placed a hold on several EPA nominees and warned of future retaliation. 'All bets will be off' next time Democrats hold a majority, he said. With two Rivian R1S SUVs in the background, a sign reading 'Vehicle Charging only' is seen in front of a charger that is part of the Rivian Adventure Network charging station on May 10, 2025, in Buttonwillow, California. While some automakers, like Ford and Honda, had agreed to California's emission standards, the industry as a whole pushed back against the 2035 mandate. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the targets were 'never achievable,' citing infrastructure gaps and market readiness. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan was the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans, pointing to concerns from automakers in her state. A Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is displayed for sale at a Ford dealership on August 21, 2024, in Glendale, California. — Source:Final thoughts The ruling leaves California scrambling to revise its climate strategy. Officials may look to cut emissions from factories and refineries or increase incentives for EV purchases. They may also consider penalties for gas car usage, such as higher registration fees. But a clause in the Congressional Review Act prevents California from adopting any rule 'substantially the same' as the one just repealed — a potential legal roadblock that could tie the state's hands for years. 'We're going to have to think pretty innovatively,' said Dean Florez of the California Air Resources Board. 'But there will still be a massive hole.'
Wall Street Journal
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wall Street Journal
Senate Votes to End California's EV Mandate
WASHINGTON—The GOP-led Senate voted Thursday to take away California's ability to set its own tailpipe emissions standards, effectively killing the country's biggest driver of EV investment. The vote was 51-44. The move nullifies a measure, enacted by the state in 2022 and later adopted by 11 other states, banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. The House already passed the same resolution. Now it heads to President Trump for his signature.
CNA
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
US Senate votes to block California 2035 electric vehicle rules
WASHINGTON :The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states representing a third of the U.S. auto market. The vote sends to President Donald Trump the measure to repeal a waiver granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under former President Joe Biden in December, allowing California to mandate at least 80 per cent electric vehicles by 2035. The vote is a win for General Motors, Toyota and other automakers that heavily lobbied against the rules and a blow to California and environmental groups that say the requires are essential to ensuring cleaner vehicles.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What's News: Business & Finance
WHATS NEWS BUSINESS FINANCE GM is working to nudge the Senate to nullify a California measure that would ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and trucks by 2035 as the market for electric vehicles weakens.
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Vermont governor pauses electric vehicle requirements
WASHINGTON, May 13 (Reuters) - Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Tuesday paused the state's electric vehicle sales requirements for passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks, citing concerns automakers could limit gas-powered vehicles to dealers in the state. Vermont is one of 11 states that have adopted California's zero emission vehicle rules that seek to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. California's rules require 35% of light-duty vehicles in the 2026 model year to be zero-emission models.
