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 Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption for California's 2009 and Subsequent Model Year Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicles".
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 5, 2026
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to revoke California's authority to set its own stricter vehicle emission standards, impacting national environmental policy and automotive industry regulations.
What it actually does
This joint resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009. The EPA rule granted California a waiver under the Clean Air Act, allowing the state to set its own greenhouse gas emission standards for new motor vehicles for model years 2009 and subsequent. If enacted, this resolution would nullify that EPA waiver, effectively reinstating federal preemption and preventing California from enforcing its distinct, stricter vehicle emission standards.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that disapproving the waiver would create a single, uniform national standard for vehicle emissions, reducing regulatory complexity and compliance costs for automotive manufacturers. They contend that a unified federal standard fosters a more predictable market, potentially lowering vehicle prices for consumers and promoting economic efficiency across the country.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this resolution undermines states' rights, particularly California's long-standing authority under the Clean Air Act to address its unique environmental challenges with stricter standards. They argue that nullifying the waiver would hinder efforts to combat climate change, worsen air quality, and remove an important driver for innovation in cleaner vehicle technologies, ultimately harming public health and environmental protection.
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Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives...
Congressional Disapproval of EPA Waiver for California's GHG Emission Standards
This provision explicitly states that Congress disapproves of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule, published in 2009, which granted California a waiver from federal preemption under the Clean Air Act. This waiver allowed California to establish and enforce its own greenhouse gas emission standards for new motor vehicles, which are typically more stringent than federal standards. By disapproving this rule, the resolution aims to nullify the waiver, thereby preventing California from implementing its separate emission standards and requiring all states to adhere to federal regulations.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this provision promotes regulatory certainty and reduces the burden on manufacturers by establishing a single national standard, which can lead to lower vehicle production costs and potentially more affordable vehicles for consumers. They suggest that a uniform standard prevents a 'patchwork' of regulations that complicates interstate commerce and vehicle sales.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision strips California of its unique and vital authority to set more protective environmental standards, which has historically driven innovation and cleaner technologies. They argue it would lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, worsen air quality in many regions, and undermine states' rights to address local environmental and public health concerns effectively.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between the desire for national regulatory uniformity to ease industry compliance and the principle of federalism, which allows states like California to act as 'laboratories of democracy' by setting stricter environmental standards to address specific local needs and drive technological advancement.