**Congress Blocks California's Vehicle Pollution Controls**

Chamber
senate

15 days ago - Politics

Congress Blocks California's Pollution Control Rules

In a significant move, Congress passed a resolution that blocks a rule set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning pollution from vehicles in California. This resolution, called H.J. Res. 89, means that certain rules aimed at reducing harmful emissions from cars and engines will no longer be enforced in the state.

Republicans in Congress pushed for this change and voted in favor of it. The vote passed with 51 members of Congress agreeing and 46 members disagreeing. This decision means that as of April 30, 2025, California will not be able to implement stricter pollution controls that were intended to improve air quality.

California had been trying to enforce tougher standards to limit the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOX) emitted by vehicles, as these chemicals can harm the environment and public health. By blocking these rules, Congress has opened the door for potentially higher levels of air pollution from vehicles in California.

This action may have serious consequences. Without these pollution controls, air quality could worsen, affecting the health of people living in California. The decision reflects a significant change in how Congress approaches environmental protection and could influence how states create their own pollution rules in the future.

In simpler terms, Congress has decided that California's plans to reduce vehicle pollution will not happen, which could lead to dirtier air for everyone.

This is a resolution where Congress says no to a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about pollution standards for cars and other engines in California.

  1. Congress disapproves the EPA's pollution control rule because it affects how California sets its own rules for cars and engines.
  2. The rule was published on January 6, 2025, and has no power or effect now that Congress has rejected it.
  3. This decision was made official when the House of Representatives passed it on April 30, 2025.

In short, the resolution stops the EPA's rule, allowing California to continue its own pollution standards for vehicles.

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. 49 - 46. Record Vote Number: 281.
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  3. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 46. Record Vote Number: 281.
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  4. Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S3105-3106, S3109-3110)
  5. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 280.
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  6. Received in the Senate, read twice.
  7. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  8. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 196 (Roll no. 112). (text: CR H1755)
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  9. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 196 (Roll no. 112). (text: CR H1755)
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  10. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1760: 1)
  11. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 89, 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.
  12. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  13. DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 89.
  14. 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 debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
  15. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 354. (consideration: CR H1755-1759: 1)
  16. Engrossed in House

    This is a resolution where Congress says no to a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about pollution standards for cars and other engines in California.

    1. Congress disapproves the EPA's pollution control rule because it affects how California sets its own rules for cars and engines.
    2. The rule was published on January 6, 2025, and has no power or effect now that Congress has rejected it.
    3. This decision was made official when the House of Representatives passed it on April 30, 2025.

    In short, the resolution stops the EPA's rule, allowing California to continue its own pollution standards for vehicles.

  17. Rule H. Res. 354 passed House.
  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. Introduced in House

    This is a resolution that Congress voted to disapprove a rule made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    The important points are:

    1. Congress does not support a rule from the EPA about pollution control for cars and engines in California.
    2. This rule is known as the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation."
    3. By disapproving this rule, it will not be enforced.
    4. The resolution was submitted by several representatives on April 2, 2025.
    5. The decision means that California's pollution standards for vehicles, which were set to reduce pollution, will not be allowed to take effect.
  20. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  21. Introduced in House