U.S. Senate votes to block California's landmark plan to end gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035

U.S. Senate votes to block California's landmark plan to end gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035

The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step in its ongoing effort to block California's ambitious plan to end the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This move comes as California's stringent emissions standards continue to shape the national automotive landscape.

The Senate is targeting three key California waivers that set stricter emissions rules than the federal government. The House of Representatives had previously voted to block these waivers, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has now announced that his chamber will follow suit. The Senate's action is expected to curtail California's aggressive transition towards electric vehicles, which was initially announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 [1].

California's emissions standards, which have been in place since the 1960s and 1970s, aim to significantly reduce planet-warming emissions from vehicles. The state's rules require automakers to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles sold over the next decade, with electric vehicles making up 43% of new sales by 2027, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035 [1]. Additionally, California has regulations in place to phase out medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles by 2035 [1].

The auto and trucking industries have mixed reactions to these regulations. While some automakers have signed deals with California to follow its tailpipe emission standards, they have not committed to the 2035 mandate on gas-powered cars. The National Automobile Dealers Association has urged the Senate to pass the measure, arguing that the ban on gas and hybrid cars should be decided by Congress, not an unelected state agency [1]. On the other hand, the Safe Roads Coalition has criticized the medium- and heavy-duty truck rule, deeming it unfeasible and threatening to roadside services [1].

Concerns about the nation's grid's ability to handle the increased demand from electric vehicles have been raised by critics, including Senate Majority Leader Thune. California has a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 but remains far from achieving the necessary infrastructure to support the EV transition. The state has about 84,000 public electric vehicle chargers, but it needs 1.2 million by 2030 [1]. The Trump administration's directive to states to stop spending money approved under Biden to help build electric vehicle chargers has added to these challenges [1].

California's plan has been adopted by several states, including New York, Colorado, and New Mexico, but some states are already backing away. Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott paused enforcement of electric vehicle sales targets following California's plan, citing unrealistic timelines. Delaware's Democratic Gov. Matt Meyer has also expressed a desire to rescind the state's EV mandate [1].

The Senate's vote to block California's plan underscores the ongoing debate over federal versus state authority in setting environmental standards. The Biden administration restored California's ability to enforce its standards in 2022, but the Senate's action could potentially revert these policies [1].

References:
[1] https://abc7.com/post/what-know-us-senates-effort-block-vehicle-emission-rules-california/16494197/