California is preparing to sue the federal government after the Senate voted to revoke its long-standing waiver that allowed the state to set stricter vehicle emissions standards. This decision directly impacts California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate and its goal to phase out fossil fuel-powered cars by 2035. If you’ve been searching for updates on California’s EV rules or the federal rollback on emissions standards, this article explains what happened, why it matters, and how it affects the future of zero-emission vehicles in the U.S.
For over 50 years, California has had the legal right to establish tougher air pollution rules than the federal government, thanks to a special waiver under the Clean Air Act. This waiver has enabled California — along with 16 other states and the District of Columbia — to lead efforts in reducing harmful vehicle emissions and promoting electric vehicle adoption. However, a recent Senate vote of 51 to 44, led by Republicans, overturned this waiver using the Congressional Review Act, a move California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta calls "unlawful" and politically motivated.
California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate is among the most ambitious climate policies nationwide. Starting in 2026, automakers will be required to ramp up sales of zero-emission cars and trucks, with a goal that by 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold must be zero-emission. Currently, this includes battery electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, though EVs dominate due to infrastructure and technology challenges faced by hydrogen alternatives.
Despite the mandate, last year only 25.3% of new light-duty vehicle sales in California were zero emissions — close to the 2026 target of 35%, but automakers argue that hitting this goal is nearly impossible without regulatory support. In fact, the share of zero-emission vehicle sales has plateaued in 2024, following rapid growth from 7.8% in 2020 to 25% in 2023.
This federal rollback threatens not only California’s environmental leadership but also the progress made in electric vehicle adoption, clean energy jobs, and pollution reduction. Sixteen states following California’s emissions standards risk losing momentum on fossil fuel phase-outs for cars and trucks. Moreover, the repeal included waivers for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle emissions, a critical sector for reducing greenhouse gases.
Attorney General Bonta criticized the Senate move as part of a "partisan campaign" against California’s efforts to protect public health and the environment. The state has pledged to challenge the decision in court to restore its authority to regulate vehicle emissions, emphasizing its commitment to clean transportation and climate action.
This legal battle will play a crucial role in shaping the future of electric vehicles and emissions regulations across the United States. For consumers, automakers, and clean energy advocates, California’s fight is more than just a lawsuit — it’s a test of how aggressive the U.S. will be in embracing zero-emission transportation and combating climate change.
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