Senate Votes to Block California's 2035 Gasoline Car Ban, Automakers Win

The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to prohibit California's plan to stop the sale of pure gasoline cars by 2035. This plan, which has been adopted by 11 other states, represents one-third of the U.S. automobile market. The vote will submit a measure to the President to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) waiver approved in December 2021. This waiver allowed California to mandate that at least 80% of vehicles be electric by 2035.

The vote was a victory for automakers such as General Motors and Toyota, but a setback for California and environmental groups. Environmental organizations consider these regulations crucial for ensuring cleaner cars and reducing pollution. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the vote, stating, "The Senate's vote is illegal," and added that the Senate's action would increase California taxpayers' healthcare costs by approximately 45 billion dollars. "We will fight this unconstitutional attack on California in court," Newsom declared.

Another bill passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday will stop providing a 7,500 dollar tax credit for new electric vehicles, impose an additional 250 dollar annual road maintenance fee on electric vehicles, and repeal emission regulations aimed at encouraging automakers to produce more electric vehicles. The bill will also gradually phase out tax credits for electric vehicle battery production by 2028. If the court upholds the ruling, this will make it easier for automakers to delay or cancel some electric vehicle production. Automakers had previously warned that they might be forced to limit the production of gasoline cars in some states in the coming months.

This legislative move by the Senate and the House of Representatives marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for electric vehicles in the U.S. The repeal of the EPA waiver and the new bill's provisions could have far-reaching implications for the automotive industry and environmental policies. The conflict between federal and state regulations highlights the ongoing debate over the future of electric vehicles and the role of government in promoting cleaner technologies. The legal battle initiated by California Governor Newsom adds another layer of complexity to this issue, as the state seeks to defend its environmental regulations in court.