A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
Plain Language Summary
# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of EPA California Emissions Rule This bill would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency decision from April 2023 that granted California permission to set its own stricter vehicle emission standards. Specifically, the EPA allowed California to implement rules requiring heavy-duty trucks and vehicles (like buses and shuttles) to meet tougher pollution controls and transition toward zero-emission options. Under federal law, California has special authority to set emission standards stricter than national federal standards, and other states can then choose to follow California's rules instead of the federal baseline. The bill would affect California's ability to enforce these new vehicle standards, as well as any other states that chose to adopt California's stricter rules.
It's backed by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), typically reflecting concerns from those who argue such regulations increase costs for trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers. The resolution is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by Congress. If passed, the bill would need to overcome potential presidential opposition to become law, as President Biden's administration supported the EPA's original decision to grant California's waiver request.
CRS Official Summary
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency notice titled California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision (88 Fed. Reg. 20688) and published on April 6, 2023. Among other elements, the notice grants the California Air Resources Board request for a waiver several of its regulations, including the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty Regulations and Maintenance Provisions. (Under the Clean Air Act, California may seek waivers of the preemption prohibiting states from enacting certain emission standards.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.