House moves to stop California ban on gas-powered cars: CEI statement

The House today overwhelmingly passed a resolution rejecting a Biden-era EPA waiver allowing California to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. By a vote of 246-164, with 35 Democrats supporting the resolution, H.J. Res 88 was passed under the auspices of the Congressional Review Act. CEI energy policy expert Daren Bakst praised the House vote, explaining its significance and urging the Senate to follow suit:

“Americans should be free to buy the vehicles that make the most sense for them. Yet the Biden administration EPA and California didn’t get the memo. To its credit, the House took action today to end this extremism. The House voted to reject the Biden EPA’s decision to grant a waiver to California allowing the state to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. If the ban remains in place, it won’t just affect California. It will change the entire national market for cars.

“The rejection of this extremism was bipartisan in nature, passing by a vote of 246-164, with 35 Democrats supporting the resolution.

“This vote wasn’t just about defending individual freedom. It was a vote to ensure Americans can affordably and reliably get to the places they need to, from medical appointments to their work.

“Now it is up to the Senate to pass this resolution. The House has made it perfectly clear that Congress needs to reject the Biden EPA’s decision to help California kill off gas-powered cars. Let’s hope the Senate does its job quickly to protect the freedom and well-being of Americans.”

Related analysis: Congress needs to repeal the Biden EPA and California attack on gas-powered cars – Competitive Enterprise Institute