Thirty-five House Democrats recently joined Republicans to oppose a last-minute decision by the Biden administration that allows California to ban gas cars by 2035. This bipartisan resolution passed with a vote of 246 to 164.
Notably, two Democrats from California, Rep. Lou Correa and Rep. George Whitesides, voted against the waiver that facilitates this ban. Other dissenting Democrats included Reps. Bennie Thompson, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Jared Moskowitz, Hillary Scholten, and Frank Mrvan.
House Republican leaders expressed their support for the resolution, criticizing California’s move as extreme. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., emphasized that the ban on gas-powered vehicles would limit consumer choice and force electric vehicles onto families. He stated that Americans should be able to choose the vehicles that best meet their needs.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., echoed this sentiment, arguing that California’s climate policies should not dictate choices for all Americans. He praised the resolution as a step towards restoring the fundamental right to choose one’s own vehicle.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., challenges a waiver issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden administration that aims to phase out the sales of new gas-powered cars. This waiver was granted despite concerns from major automakers regarding its feasibility.
In the past, the Biden administration defended this measure, claiming it was more of an order than a regulatory rule, which meant it would not be subject to congressional scrutiny. As this situation unfolds, it illustrates growing tensions concerning vehicle regulations and government overreach in environmental policies.
