Senate votes to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to block California’s first-in-the nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Lawmakers on Thursday (May 22, 2025) have passed two resolutions to roll back the state’s vehicle emissions standards. They now head to the White House, where President Donald Trump is expected to sign it. The second one blocks rules curbing tailpipe emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The Senate is poised to pass a third measure to overturn rules on smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. All three were approved by the House. California has significant power to shape purchasing trends, especially because about a dozen states follow California’s lead on curbing air pollution.