Senate votes to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035
Senate Votes to Block California’s Gas Car Ban: A Blow to State-Led Climate Action
In a controversial move that could reshape the landscape of U.S. climate policy, the U.S. Senate voted on May 22, 2025, to overturn California’s groundbreaking regulation banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The 51–44 vote, backed by all Republicans and one Democrat, represents a significant shift in the federal-state dynamic on environmental regulation and puts into question the future of aggressive state-led climate strategies.
California’s Ambitious Zero-Emission Vision
California, long a national leader in environmental initiatives, passed its Advanced Clean Cars II rule in 2022, setting a clear trajectory toward phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The rule required that:
- 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026,
- 68% by 2030, and
- 100% by 2035.
The initiative was part of the state’s broader climate agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Crucially, California received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allowing it to enforce its stricter standards under the Clean Air Act.
The policy had widespread implications beyond state lines. Eleven other states had adopted similar rules, collectively covering nearly 40% of the U.S. car market.
Federal Pushback
The Senate’s decision effectively revokes the EPA waiver that empowered California to enforce its vehicle emissions standard. The resolution passed both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.
Supporters of the repeal argue that California’s policy imposed undue burdens on manufacturers and consumers. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), a leading voice behind the effort, stated, “California should not be dictating national energy policy. Americans deserve choices, not mandates.”
Notably, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) broke with her party to support the measure, reflecting concerns from the automotive industry in her home state. Automakers have expressed anxiety over meeting steep emissions targets amid infrastructure and supply chain constraints.
California Responds
The response from California leadership was swift and defiant. Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the vote as “a direct assault on our state’s right to protect the health of our citizens and our environment.” Attorney General Rob Bonta has vowed to challenge the legality of the Congressional Review Act’s use to undo an EPA waiver, calling it “a dangerous misuse of federal authority.”
Environmental advocates argue that the decision undercuts critical climate progress. “This isn’t just about California — it’s about whether any state can lead on clean energy,” said Leah Stokes, a climate policy expert at UC Santa Barbara.
Legal and Environmental Ramifications
The legal dispute may hinge on whether the EPA waiver is subject to reversal under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Typically, the CRA is used to overturn agency regulations — not waivers or permissions granted to states. Legal scholars suggest the courts will need to determine whether this unprecedented application of the CRA is valid.
If upheld, the repeal could deal a significant blow to the Biden-era strategy of state-federal collaboration on climate. Moreover, it sends a chilling message to other states considering aggressive emissions reduction policies.
Impacts on the Auto Industry and Consumers
The Senate vote arrives at a time when automakers are investing heavily in electrification, but face considerable headwinds — including high battery costs, supply chain delays, and uneven demand. While some manufacturers like Ford and GM have committed to a majority-electric future, others see the rule’s removal as an opportunity to recalibrate timelines.
For consumers, the repeal may mean greater access to gas-powered vehicles in the near term, particularly in conservative states that resisted California-style mandates. But it also introduces uncertainty about long-term infrastructure planning for EVs and the affordability of cleaner transportation.
A Broader Culture War on Climate?
Many experts see the Senate’s vote as part of a broader trend of partisan clashes over environmental policy. With climate change becoming increasingly politicized, state-led innovation — once considered a bipartisan strength of federalism — is now caught in the crossfire.
“This isn’t just policy rollback; it’s symbolic warfare,” said Jody Freeman, a former Obama climate adviser. “It’s about who gets to define America’s energy future.”
Conclusion
The Senate’s decision to block California’s gas car ban is a significant moment in the national conversation about climate, federalism, and the limits of state autonomy. Whether the courts uphold the move or California finds a new pathway forward, the episode underscores the growing tension between state innovation and federal resistance in the face of a warming planet.
