U.S. Tries To Undo California's 2035 Ban On Combustion Cars

The EPA waiver, granted in December 2024 under the Biden administration, allowed California to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which mandates that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035.

Eleven other states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon, have adopted similar standards, collectively representing about 40% of the U.S. auto market. Supporters of the House resolution, including 35 Democrats who crossed party lines, argue that California's mandate is economically burdensome and technologically unfeasible.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers like General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen, warned that the strict requirements could make it more difficult for consumers to access new vehicles because of higher prices and a limited number of overall vehicles available to inflate the proportion of electric vehicles sold.

California officials have countered that the state's regulations are critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the House vote, stating that it undermines California's efforts to lead in clean energy and vehicle innovation.

“This vote is an unprecedented and reckless attack on states’ legal authority to address the tailpipe pollution causing asthma, lung disease and heart conditions,” Kathy Harris, director of clean vehicles at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a press release. “If other states don’t like California’s approach, they don’t need to follow it. But Congress shouldn’t intervene and try to block state leaders from protecting their residents from dangerous pollution.”

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.