The US House of Representatives has passed a bill opposing California’s plan to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles. The bill, which passed by a vote of 222-190, would prohibit states from restricting the sale of gasoline cars and void any federal permission given to states to do so starting in early 2022.
While the vote largely followed party lines, eight Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in supporting the measure. Those representatives include Yadira Caraveo of New Mexico, Jim Costa of California, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Donald Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Brian Higgins of New York, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington and Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico.
It should be noted that the bill does not specifically mention California, where the gasoline vehicle phase-out plan will be implemented. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants California the authority to adopt stricter clean vehicle regulations than those set by the federal government under the Clean Air Act. Last year, the EPA reinstated a waiver that allowed California’s emissions reduction rule to take effect. Additionally, California has worked to promote electric vehicle (EV) sales by phasing out sales of new gasoline vehicles.
This Republican-led legislation is unlikely to advance or become law. The Democratic-led Senate is expected to oppose it, and the White House recently issued a statement expressing its opposition to the bill. However, this bill gives Republicans an opportunity to criticize the Biden administration’s energy policy, an area they have focused on.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) weighed in, saying, “The EPA and California are trying to implement restrictive government mandates, but that’s not how we’re going to lead for the next 100 years.” .
This article examines the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of a bill opposing California’s plan to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles. Provides information on bipartisan support for the measure, current regulations implemented in California, and expected future of the bill.
