**Congress Blocks Stricter Pollution Standards for California Vehicles**

Chamber
senate

15 days ago - Politics

Congress Blocks Stricter Pollution Rules for California Cars

In a recent vote, Congress took action that prevents stricter pollution control rules for cars and engines in California. The Senate approved a resolution, with a result of 51 votes in favor and 46 against. The main supporters of this decision were Republican senators, who believed that California's plans were not the right approach.

The resolution stops the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enforcing its "Advanced Clean Cars II" rule. This rule would have allowed California to implement tougher pollution standards for vehicles sold within the state. By blocking this resolution, Congress has decided that car manufacturers will continue to follow existing federal pollution standards, which are less strict compared to what California wanted.

This decision is important because it affects not only California but also other states that might look to California’s pollution rules as a guide. By keeping the less strict federal standards in place, there will likely be more vehicle emissions from cars in California, which could lead to worsening air quality and public health issues over time.

In summary, the key points from this vote are:

  1. Congress canceled advanced pollution control standards intended for California.
  2. Stricter emissions regulations for vehicles will not be put in place.
  3. The decision could influence air quality efforts not just in California but also in other states.

The outcome of this vote emphasizes the power Congress has in overturning rules set by federal agencies, especially those that deal with important issues like the environment and public health.

This is a resolution that stops a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about car pollution standards in California.

  • Congress does not agree with the rule that sets rules for cleaner cars in California.
  • This rule is called "Advanced Clean Cars II."
  • Because of this resolution, the rule will have no effect.
  • The resolution was passed by the House of Representatives on May 1, 2025.

This decision means California cannot use this rule to control pollution from cars and engines as the EPA intended.

97 votes

Yes

51

No

46

Not Voting

3

  1. Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  2. Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 44. Record Vote Number: 277.
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  3. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 44. Record Vote Number: 277.
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  4. Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3101)
  5. Received in the Senate, read twice.
  6. Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S3052)
  7. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 276.
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  8. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  9. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 246 - 164 (Roll no. 114). (text: 04/30/2025 CR H1749)
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  10. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 246 - 164 (Roll no. 114). (text: 04/30/2025 CR H1749)
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  11. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1786: 1)
  12. Engrossed in House

    This is a resolution that stops a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about car pollution standards in California.

    • Congress does not agree with the rule that sets rules for cleaner cars in California.
    • This rule is called "Advanced Clean Cars II."
    • Because of this resolution, the rule will have no effect.
    • The resolution was passed by the House of Representatives on May 1, 2025.

    This decision means California cannot use this rule to control pollution from cars and engines as the EPA intended.

  13. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 88, the Chair put the question on passage of the joint resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
  14. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  15. DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 88.
  16. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H.J. Res. 89. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res 88 and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
  17. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 354. (consideration: CR H1748: 1)
  18. Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 354 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
  19. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1629)
  20. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1421)
  21. Introduced in House

    This is a resolution that says Congress disagrees with a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about cars in California.

    1. Main Point: Congress does not support the EPA's rule on California's car pollution standards. This means the rule will not be allowed to affect the laws.

    2. Details:

      • The rule deals with pollution control for cars and engines in California.
      • It was introduced to make cars cleaner and reduce pollution.
      • Congress took this action because they believe the rule should not be in place.

    3. Outcome: The disapproval means that California will not get the okay to follow these new pollution standards set by the EPA.

  22. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.