Providing 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 Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Car Program; Reconsideration of a Previous Withdrawal of a Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 6, 2026
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to overturn an EPA rule that reinstated California's authority to set its own stricter vehicle emissions standards, potentially impacting national clean car policies.
What it actually does
This joint resolution, introduced under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), expresses congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule in question, published on March 14, 2022, concerned the "California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Car Program; Reconsideration of a Previous Withdrawal of a Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the EPA's rule, preventing it from taking effect or continuing to have force.
Proponents argue
Proponents of this resolution argue that the EPA's rule oversteps federal authority, creates an inconsistent national regulatory environment for automakers, and imposes undue burdens on consumers through higher vehicle costs and limited choices. They contend that the federal government, not individual states, should set national emissions standards to ensure regulatory uniformity and prevent a patchwork of regulations that complicate manufacturing and sales across state lines.
Opponents contend
Opponents of this resolution argue that it would undermine states' rights to address local environmental concerns and roll back progress on climate change and air quality. They assert that California's waiver is crucial for driving innovation in cleaner vehicle technologies and that allowing states to set stricter standards provides a vital pathway for environmental protection beyond federal minimums, benefiting public health and the environment.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, requiring less than a minute to read, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding of its direct action.
Section 1
Congressional Disapproval of EPA Rule on California's Advanced Clean Car Program
This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the Environmental Protection Agency's rule published on March 14, 2022, concerning California's Advanced Clean Car Program waiver. If this resolution is enacted, the EPA rule will be nullified, meaning it will have no legal effect. This effectively prevents the EPA's decision to reinstate California's authority to set stricter vehicle emissions standards from taking effect, thereby impacting California's ability to implement those standards under the federal Clean Air Act waiver.
Supporters argue
Supporters of this disapproval argue that the EPA's original rule grants California undue influence over national auto policy, leading to a fragmented market and increased costs for manufacturers and consumers. They believe a single, less stringent federal standard is more efficient and economically beneficial.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that disapproving this rule would strip California of its long-standing authority under the Clean Air Act to set more protective emissions standards, which has historically driven technological innovation and improved air quality. They argue it undermines states' rights and environmental progress.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between states' rights to set stricter environmental standards and the desire for national regulatory uniformity for industries like automotive manufacturing. It also balances environmental protection goals against potential economic impacts on consumers and industry.