House Bill Targets California’s Electric Vehicle Mandate

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill prohibiting California’s attempt to eliminate all gas-powered vehicles. The bill passed the House 222-190. It would keep states from limiting the sale of gas-powered cars and revoke any federal approvals allowing states to do so issued since the beginning of 2022. The vote was along party lines, but eight Democrats did vote with Republicans in favor of the legislation. The legislation doesn’t specifically mention California in its language. States can implement tighter clean car rules stricter than those from the federal government under the Clean Air Act. But those states have to get permission from the Environmental Protection Agency first. The Hill says the EPA reinstated a waiver allowing a California rule aimed at limiting vehicle pollution to take effect. Since then, the state intends to completely phase out the new sales of gas-powered cars. The bill isn’t expected to become law.