House Votes to Block California's Gas Car Ban by 2035

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to block California from enforcing its rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, a policy that had received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration. This move challenges one of the nation's most ambitious efforts to reduce emissions and accelerate electric vehicle adoption, and could impact 11 other states and Washington, D.C., which have pledged to follow California’s lead—together representing about 40% of the U.S. auto market. Supporters argue the policy is necessary to combat climate change and improve public health, while opponents, including business groups and some automakers, contend it limits consumer choice and could raise car prices. Conservative coalitions and organizations in affected states, such as New Jersey, have urged Congress to overturn the EPA waiver, warning of higher costs and feasibility issues due to limited infrastructure. It remains unclear whether the Senate will pass the resolution and send it to the president. Legal experts note that Congress’s authority to block state-level emissions rules is disputed, given existing Clean Air Act provisions.