California gas car ban blocked by 35 House Democrats, all Republicans
Thirty-five House Democrats have spoken out against the Biden administration’s last-minute decision to grant a waiver that allowed California to implement a complete ban on gas-powered cars by 2035. The move, which was met with backlash from both sides of the aisle, saw a resolution introduced by Republicans to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of the waiver. The resolution passed by a vote of 246 to 164, with notable support from two California House Democrats, Reps. Lou Correa and George Whitesides.
Among the other Democrats who voted to rescind their own state’s clean energy waiver were Reps. Bennie Thompson, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Jared Moskowitz, Hillary Scholten, and Frank Mrvan. This bipartisan show of disapproval highlights the deep divide within the Democratic party on environmental policies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, led the charge against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s gas car ban, calling it a “radical measure” that takes away consumer choice. Other Republican leaders, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, echoed Johnson’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom in choosing the type of vehicle to drive.
Rep. John Joyce, a Republican from Pennsylvania, introduced the resolution to repeal the Biden-era waiver, citing concerns about the feasibility of California’s ambitious goals. The waiver, granted by the EPA in December 2024, aimed to phase out new gas-powered car sales by 2035 as part of the state’s efforts to combat climate change. However, critics argue that such drastic measures should not be imposed on the entire American population without proper consideration.
Despite the Biden administration’s argument that the waiver was not subject to congressional review, the Trump administration and federal bureaucracy have been at odds over the issue. The Government Accountability Office declared in March that California’s waiver is not eligible for review under the Congressional Review Act, further complicating the situation.
The heated debate over California’s gas car ban underscores the broader ideological differences within Congress on environmental policies. As the country grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, lawmakers continue to clash over the best path forward. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact future decisions on clean energy and environmental regulations.
