President Biden’s lame-duck environmental push faces criticism as EPA grants California special waivers.
At a Glance
- EPA approves California’s waiver for “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation
- Senator Capito criticizes the decision, citing Clean Air Act concerns
- 11 states and D.C. have adopted similar regulations
- House Republicans aim to end Democratic climate policies
- EPA delays decision on California’s 2035 vehicle waiver
EPA Grants California Special Waivers
The Biden administration, in its final months, has granted California special EPA waivers for higher emissions standards on various equipment and vehicles. The move, aimed at protecting California’s climate policies, allows the state to set stricter emissions regulations than federal standards under the Clean Air Act.
The EPA’s approval of California’s waiver to implement the “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation has sparked controversy. This regulation aims to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a move that has been adopted by 11 additional states and Washington D.C., leading to varied auto regulations across the country.
Criticism from Republican Leaders
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has released a statement criticizing the EPA’s decision. Capito argues that the regulation does not meet the Clean Air Act’s requirements for a waiver and expresses concern about increased U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals.
— The Washington Stand (@WSHStand) December 3, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican-led House aim to end Democratic climate policies, including electric vehicle initiatives. They emphasize the importance of consumer choice over an electric vehicle mandate and plan to work against the Biden administration’s decision.
Potential Impact on National Market
California’s emissions regulations could significantly impact the national market due to the state’s large population and market size. The American Trucking Associations has criticized the waivers, anticipating a reversal by the incoming administration.
Concerns exist that stricter truck emissions standards could lead to fewer trucks operating in California, potentially causing cargo crises at major ports.
Delayed Decision on 2035 Vehicle Waiver
While the EPA has granted some waivers, it has not yet made a decision regarding California’s 2035 vehicle waiver. California is seeking this waiver to implement even stricter vehicle emissions standards, aiming to phase out gas-powered vehicles entirely. The delay in the EPA’s decision could impact automakers’ production plans, as they navigate the uncertainty of future emissions standards.
